In 15th season, Beau Belga is having his best scoring hot streaks

In 15th season, Beau Belga is having his best scoring hot streaks

BEAU Belga maintained his scoring resurgence on Wednesday, setting a new career-high in Rain or Shine’s win over NorthPort in the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup.

Belga had 28 points on 12-of-17 shooting from the field to lift the Elasto Painters to their fifth straight victory – a 115-105 decision over the fading Batang Pier.

Belga is on his way to averaging in double figures in his 15th season in the league. Prior to this season, the only time he had a double-digit average in points was in the 2020 COVID-shortened season when he averaged 10.9 points in the Clark bubble.

READ ROS makes it five straight wins by dominating NorthPort

The Rain or Shine veteran said the scoring output is only out of necessity following the injury to rookie Keith Datu, who will be out for an extended period due to a Grade 2 MCL injury.

“Mula nung na-injury si Keith, talagang in-ano ko sa sarili ko na kailangan ko i-exert ‘yung sarili ko sa offense,” said Belga. “First few games namin, puro pasa ako eh. If I have a chance, if I have (an opportunity) sa opensa, aangkinin ko naman.”

Belga is now averaging 17.8 points in the Philippine Cup – a big increase from his 9.6 average in the Commissioner’s Cup.

keith datu rain or shine yeng guiao

PHOTO: Jerome Ascano

“Simula nung na-injury si Keith, talagang pinanindigan ko na. Magbabakaw na ako. Nagkakaroon na ako ng time na 16, 17 shots in the game. Bibihira ‘yun sa 15 years ko dito sa PBA. Usually, 11, 10, pinakamarami na ‘yun. Pero this conference, simula nung na-injure si Keith,” said Belga.

Belga though deflected the credit for Rain or Shine’s recent success to their team-first philosophy.

In Belga’s career game, for example, Rain or Shine had three more players scoring in double figures with Jhonard Clarito chipping in 17 points, rookie Adrian Nocum contributing 16 points, and Mark Borboran adding 12 markers.

“It’s a complete team effort for us. Mairaraos namin ‘yung mga games namin na lahat kami nagtutulungan. It’s not only one guy who is playing better. It’s always three guys, four guys na double digit sa amin.”

“’Yun ‘yung sinasabi ni coach na balance ‘yung opensa namin. Hindi lang ‘yung iisa lang ang maglalaro ng maganda sa isang game,” said Belga.