MANILA, Philippines – As they square off in a crucial game in the 2024–25 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Converge FiberXers are both riding high and hoping to win three straight games.

Rain or Shine has put together a mini-streak early in the competition by relying on unrelenting hustling and an upbeat style of play. The Elasto Painters have been resilient and cohesive on both sides of the court despite missing important players in recent games. They have won their previous two games, including a thrilling triumph over the Meralco Bolts, 128–116.

Their campaign may encounter a significant obstacle, though, as they go against a Converge team that shares their aggressive style but has a significant edge in terms of size and frontcourt depth. Following a well-deserved 100-94 victory over TNT, the FiberXers, led by interim coach Franco Atienza, are keen to improve their record to 4-2.

The availability of Rain or Shine’s frontcourt trio—Keith Datu, Beau Belga, and Caelan Tiongson—is questionable as of game day. Belga has missed a game in this conference because of vertigo, Tiongson missed the most recent game due to back spasms, and Datu is still out with a persistent calf issue. The team’s rotation will be thin even if any of them make a comeback because they will probably be on minute limits.

Conversely, converge seems to be peaking at the ideal moment. The team’s formidable frontcourt combination of rookie Justine Baltazar and veteran Justin Arana is rapidly rising to the top of the league’s interior pairing rankings. Baltazar supported Arana’s impressive 22-point, 11-rebound performance against TNT with 21 points and 12 rebounds. The FiberXers have a dependable interior presence that has helped them win close games because of their ability to control the paint on both offense and defense.

Converge is training with the expectation that the Elasto Painters will be at their best, even if they appreciate Rain or Shine’s firepower and coaching prowess, particularly under seasoned strategist Yeng Guiao. The FiberXers are not taking any chances since they know that other players will probably step up and have an influence even if the Elasto Painters are without their main big men.

For his part, Guiao has acknowledged that dealing with Converge without his frontline’s assistance could provide significant challenges. He already informed his players that Converge poses a distinct challenge, even if they could outlast Meralco without their bigs. It is anticipated that the inside onslaught of the FiberXers, spearheaded by their twin towers, will take advantage of any openings in Rain or Shine’s rotation and punish mismatches down low.

Intriguing subplots are also added to the game by the guard matchup. Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston, who both scored 19 points in their last game, have been dependable for Converge. Converge poses a balanced threat that goes beyond the paint because of their aggressive offensive style and fierce defensive play.

Rain or Shine, on the other hand, keeps its rapid breaks and high pace rhythm as a part of their fundamental identity while still including contributions from its guards and wings. Expect players like Rey Nambatac, Andrei Caracut, and Adrian Nocum to take on greater responsibility in orchestrating the offense and applying pressure on Converge’s backcourt since the squad may be shorthanded once more.

Additionally, the history between the two squads raises the stakes. After losing to Rain or Shine in the previous Commissioner’s Cup playoffs, Converge is seeking revenge. The FiberXers are coming into this game with a sense of urgency and a desire to settle the score because that early exit still hurts them.

Converge’s strategy is straightforward: capitalize on their physical advantages, play to their strengths, and follow the coaches’ game plan. Under Guiao’s direction, Rain or Shine will focus on overcoming obstacles, implementing a fluid system, and figuring out how to compete in spite of staff setbacks.

Fans can anticipate a fierce and fast-paced matchup between two up-and-coming All-Filipino conference candidates as both teams hit the court looking to win three in a row.