MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine defeated the NLEX Road Warriors, 124-105, at Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila on Wednesday night to win their third PBA Governors’ Cup. The team’s remarkable comeback saw them overcome a steep 40-point deficit. The youthful enthusiasm and tenacity of the Elasto Painters’ squad allowed them to launch an incredible comeback despite falling behind by 21 points early in the second quarter.

When Rain or Shine was behind 24-45, Gian Mamuyac and Jhonard Clarito led the charge to start a run that saw the team progressively cut into NLEX’s lead. The rest of the team quickly followed suit as the E-Painters gained command of the contest and eventually led by as much as 19 points.

With this win, Rain or Shine moved up to the top of Group B with a perfect 3-0 win-loss record. In the meantime, the previously unbeaten NLEX Road Warriors slipped to 2-1 and were tied for second place with the San Miguel Beermen. Rain or Shine’s victory demonstrated their tenacity and willpower, solidifying their position as a powerful force in the current conference.

Rain or Shine’s coach Yeng Guiao gave his players credit for their incredible forbearance and resiliency after they overcame a difficult beginning to their PBA Governors’ Cup match. Even though the Elasto Painters had a rough first quarter, falling behind 24-42, Guiao stressed the need to stay composed. Rain or Shine was originally taken aback by the Road Warriors’ impressive 40-point first quarter, which was powered by precise three-point shooting. But rather than losing heart, the team concentrated on enduring the storm and progressively taking back the game.

Guiao admitted that although their offense was strong, their defense required work. The group was able to stage a comeback and win in the end because of their ability to adapt and strengthen their defense. With this victory, Rain or Shine has now won three straight conference games, having previously defeated Barangay Ginebra Kings and Blackwater Bossing.

The Elasto Painters’ capacity to bounce back from a rough beginning and successfully carry out their game plan demonstrates their increasing self-assurance and unity as a unit. Rain or Shine secured their place as formidable PBA Governors’ Cup contenders with a hard-fought victory, thanks in large part to Guiao’s emphasis on strategic tweaks and patience.

With Rain or Shine now the only undefeated team in the tournament, they achieved it with a well-balanced game, with Mamuyac, Clarito, and Aaron Fuller spearheading their offensive charge and Caelan Tiongson serving as a crucial import stopper.

Myke Henry, an NLEX immigrant, had a great start, scoring 16 points in the first half. However, he was only able to score five points in the second half, which stopped his momentum. Similar to how he performed against Justin Brownlee in a prior game, Caelan Tiongson was instrumental in stopping Henry. Tiongson’s defensive efforts were complemented by Coach Yeng Guiao, who highlighted his ability to neutralize important players.

Henry had trouble in the second half, but the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, with a well-balanced scoring approach, settled into a groove. With 24 points, Clarito led the offensive charge, closely followed by Mamuyac’s 22 points. Along with his excellent defense, Fuller scored twenty-one points, Caracut scored seventeen, and Tiongson scored ten points.

The E-Painters’ remarkable 18-0 rally in the second quarter to overcome a 21-point deficit marked the game’s turning point. After trailing 24–45, Rain or Shine gained momentum and led by just 50–49 at the half. They maintained their momentum into the third quarter, when they increased their lead to 82-66 and had assumed control of the contest.

The Elasto Painters never let NLEX get back in the lead after that, continuing to retain their superiority. Their teamwork on both sides of the floor demonstrated their resiliency and capacity to bounce back from an early loss. Rain or Shine won handily, demonstrating their potential as a strong candidate for the PBA Governors’ Cup by managing the game’s tempo and performing well on both offense and defense.