MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine continued its winning streak in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, defeating Magnolia 102-100 thanks to a remarkable display of maturity in the closing minutes.

Eliminating their previous strategy of fading after losing a significant lead and then falling behind in the last minutes, the Elasto Painters displayed poise and tenacity by going on a 13-0 run that allowed them to overcome the Hotshots’ formidable defense.

Consequently, Rain or Shine recorded its third consecutive victory for a 3-1 card, placing it in joint third place with idle Meralco.

Even though his side encountered several difficulties during the game, coach Yeng Guiao gave more credit to their tenacity and will. The team showed resolute spirit even though they were down 89-100 with 6:03 left and by as many as 13 points in the third quarter. This spirit of perseverance meant more to Guiao than the final result. He was pleased with their effort and emphasized that they would not give up. Even in the face of hardship, the team’s performance, according to the coach, demonstrated their passion and ability to bounce back from setbacks in subsequent games.

In his evaluation of his team’s performance, coach Yeng Guiao emphasized how well they controlled the game for the majority of the first half and the third quarter. He did admit, though, that as the third quarter came to a finish, the momentum changed against them, giving their opponents the advantage. Guiao highlighted the team’s tenacity and remarkable ability to bounce back in spite of this setback, pointing out that they managed to bounce back and mount a formidable comeback.

In contrast to earlier iterations, he noted that this showed a notable improvement in the team’s character. In the past, the squad had trouble getting back together after collapsing. But this time, even though the squad lost steam and fell behind, they were able to recover and take back the initiative. This was encouraging and demonstrated their increasing capacity to overcome obstacles.

As a key component of winning games, Guiao emphasized the significance of figuring out how to restore control after losing momentum. The team’s perseverance and growing character were demonstrated by their capacity to overcome hardship and get back on track. Notwithstanding the challenges, Guiao saw the win as noteworthy and evidence of the team’s development and promise.

Magnolia lost 1-4, its fourth consecutive defeat. But not before the Hotshots as a whole blew opportunities after Adrian Nocum’s basket made it 102-100, and after its own valiant stand that was ultimately dimmed by Ricardo Ratliffe getting burdened by foul trouble before picking up his sixth with 2:46 remaining.

Jerom Lastimosa missed a four-pointer right before the last buzzer, but Magnolia still had a chance to steal the victory.

Santi Santillan scored 17 points and Deon Thompson led Rain or Shine with 18 points and 15 rebounds. The E-Painters’ lead grew to a high of 77-64 thanks to four triples that Thompson blasted in the first half.

Andrei Caracut deserves a lot of the credit because he ignited Rain or Shine’s crucial run by scoring 10 of his 15 points in less than four minutes. Before Nocum’s basket after a Santillan steal, he finished his heroics with a four-pointer that tied the score for the final time at 100.

Ratliffe continued to lead the group with 27 points and 13 rebounds, while Ian Sangalang and Mark Barroca each contributed 21 and 18 points for the Hotshots, who saw Paul Lee and Zavier Lucero return from injury.

Scores at the end of the match

RAIN OR SHINE with 102 points for the win

Individual scores: Thompson 18, Santillan 17, Caracut 15, Tiongson 11, Nocum 10, Belga 7, Carlito 6, Datu 6, Lemetti 5, Malonzo 4, Asistio 2, Ildefonso 1.

MAGNOLIA with 100 points

Individual scores: Ratliffe 27, Sangalang 21, Barroca 18, Lucero 11, Abueva 8, Lee 4, Dionisio 4, Ahanmisi 4, Dela Rosa 2, Lastimosa 1, Laput 0.

Scores per quarter:

31-23, 50-47, 81-78, 102-100