Chris Gavina was a winner in his first game back as a PBA head coach after Rain Or Shine evaded some endgame disaster with an 83-82 win on Friday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig.
The Elasto Painters got sigh of relief in the end as a last gasp from the Road Warriors fell short.
Behind a 31-point third quarter, ROS took a 68-62 lead entering the fourth and was up four, 83-79, with 56 seconds left.
But Kiefer Ravena buried a long three pointer with 19.1 seconds left that cut the lead down to one.
He then stole the ball from Gabe Norwood off a pressure defense at the right corner, setting up NLEX's chance to steal the win.
But Anthony Semerad was forced to take a double pump mid-range jumper over Javee Mocon's outstretched arms that only hit the rim as time expires.
Rey Nambatac tallied 19 points, eight rebounds, and two assists to lead the Elasto Painters.
Beau Belga added 17 points, seven rebounds, and five assists.
Suiting up for the Road Warriors amid an ongoing contract dispute with the Shiga Lakestars of the B.League Ravena put up a game high 23 markers, four rebounds, seven assists, and three steals.