Rain or Shine finally got the revenge it had been waiting for.
Powered by a breakout performance from Best Player of the Game Caelan Tiongson and another dominant outing from import Aaron Fuller, the Elasto Painters defeated Barangay Ginebra, 110-99, on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City to secure their second straight victory in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
The convincing win improved Rain or Shine’s record to 2-2 in Group B, while also providing sweet redemption after Ginebra eliminated the Elasto Painters in six games during the semifinals of the previous PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
For Rain or Shine, the victory was more than just another win in the standings—it was proof that the team is beginning to find its rhythm after an 0-2 start to the conference.
Rain or Shine Responds After Early Deficit
Barangay Ginebra entered the contest riding high after dismantling Blackwater, 115-85, just two days earlier. The Gin Kings carried that momentum into the opening quarter, taking a 21-17 lead behind their aggressive offense.
Rain or Shine, however, refused to panic.
The Elasto Painters gradually settled into their offensive flow, tightened their defense, and began controlling the rebounding battle. Their improved execution on both ends of the floor slowly shifted the momentum as they erased the early deficit before taking control in the second quarter.
By halftime, Rain or Shine had already established confidence, but it was the third quarter where the game completely turned.
The Elasto Painters exploded for a 36-27 third-quarter advantage, stretching the lead into double digits and leaving Ginebra struggling to respond.
Rain or Shine would eventually build an 18-point cushion, and despite a few late pushes from the Gin Kings, the Elasto Painters maintained full control until the final buzzer.
Best Player of the Game: Caelan Tiongson Takes Over
The biggest spark for Rain or Shine came from Caelan Tiongson, who delivered his finest performance of the conference.
Named Best Player of the Game, Tiongson finished with 21 points, his highest scoring output of the Governors’ Cup, while shooting an impressive 5-of-9 from beyond the three-point line.
His long-range shooting proved to be the difference during the decisive third-quarter run.
Every time Ginebra attempted to close the gap, Tiongson answered with another timely three-pointer, silencing every comeback attempt and energizing the Rain or Shine bench.
He also showcased his efficiency inside the arc by converting 3-of-4 two-point attempts, giving Ginebra multiple problems defensively.
Following the victory, Tiongson credited the team’s mindset after beginning the conference with consecutive losses.
“We started the conference at 0-2 and we started this game just focused on winning,” Tiongson said after the game.
He also highlighted the impact of import Aaron Fuller, whose presence attracted multiple defenders and opened opportunities for Rain or Shine’s shooters.
“We have a good import who attracted defense and he opened up the spaces for us.”
The chemistry between Fuller and Tiongson was evident throughout the contest, as the import repeatedly found his teammate for open perimeter looks.
COURTESY: PBA
Aaron Fuller Continues His Dominant Run
While Tiongson earned Best Player of the Game honors, Aaron Fuller once again showed why he remains one of the league’s premier imports.
Fuller produced another outstanding double-double with 37 points and 12 rebounds, consistently overpowering Ginebra’s interior defense.
Whether scoring in the paint, grabbing offensive rebounds, or drawing double teams, Fuller remained the focal point of Rain or Shine’s offense from start to finish.
His ability to command attention inside created valuable spacing for the Elasto Painters’ perimeter shooters, particularly Tiongson, who capitalized on several open opportunities from long distance.
Whenever Ginebra threatened to build momentum, Fuller responded with crucial baskets that kept Rain or Shine comfortably ahead.
Yeng Guiao Praises Team Adjustments
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao praised his players for successfully executing their offensive game plan against Ginebra’s defensive schemes.
According to Guiao, opposing teams have consistently tried to deny entry passes to Fuller, forcing Rain or Shine to find creative ways to involve its import.
This time, the adjustments paid off.
“Mahirap ipasok ang entry pass kay Aaron Fuller as all teams denied him that. But we did a good job to make the pass work,” Guiao explained.
The veteran coach also acknowledged that the game schedule may have worked in Rain or Shine’s favor, as Ginebra had played a physically demanding contest just two days earlier.
“Natyempuhan namin na Ginebra was tired coming from their Friday game. Ang ganda ng shooting nila Friday, at umaasa ako the law of averages caught up with them, at bumaba ang shooting percentage nila.”
Still, Guiao emphasized that his team’s overall execution deserved the credit.
“Overall masaya ako sa depensa namin, sa rebounding namin at sa assists as we got 29.”
The Elasto Painters displayed outstanding teamwork all evening, recording 29 assists while consistently making the extra pass to create quality scoring opportunities.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Rain or Shine’s balanced attack extended beyond Fuller and Tiongson.
Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito each contributed 13 points, providing valuable secondary scoring that prevented Ginebra from focusing solely on the team’s top offensive weapons.
Both players also played key roles defensively, helping contain Ginebra’s perimeter attack while contributing on the boards.
Their production highlighted Rain or Shine’s depth, an important factor as the Governors’ Cup schedule becomes increasingly demanding.
Ginebra Struggles to Recover
Barangay Ginebra simply couldn’t replicate the offensive brilliance it displayed in its dominant victory over Blackwater.
The Gin Kings struggled to consistently knock down outside shots while Rain or Shine’s disciplined defense limited second-chance opportunities and forced difficult possessions throughout the game.
Despite several attempts to rally in the fourth quarter, Ginebra never seriously threatened after Rain or Shine’s explosive third-quarter run.
The defeat dropped the Gin Kings to 1-2 in Group B, placing additional pressure on the team as the elimination round continues.
Momentum Shifts in Rain or Shine’s Favor
After opening the conference with back-to-back defeats, Rain or Shine has suddenly transformed into one of the hottest teams in Group B with consecutive victories.
More importantly, Sunday’s performance showcased exactly the identity that head coach Yeng Guiao has been searching for—a team built on tough defense, efficient ball movement, strong rebounding, and balanced scoring.
With Best Player of the Game Caelan Tiongson emerging as a reliable perimeter threat, Aaron Fuller continuing to dominate inside, and the supporting cast making meaningful contributions, the Elasto Painters appear to be gaining confidence at the perfect time.
Their impressive 110-99 victory over Barangay Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City not only evened their record at 2-2 but also sent a strong message to the rest of the league that Rain or Shine is beginning to hit its stride in the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup.
