MANILA, Philippines – Justin Brownlee’s comeback celebration with Barangay Ginebra was marred by rain or shine.

A low-scoring but fierce PBA Governors’ Cup clash between the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings on Saturday resulted in a surprise outcome at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur. The Elasto Painters won 73–64 to cap off the game, which included Justin Brownlee’s much awaited comeback to the Ginebra starting lineup.

The first three quarters of the game were closely contested, with neither team managing to take a sizable advantage. But Rain or Shine really took charge in the fourth quarter, defeating Ginebra 21–12 to win their second straight game of the year.

Aaron Fuller scored a strong 16 points to lead the Elasto Painters in their attack. Andrei Caracut, who scored 14 points, and rookie phenom Felix Lemetti, who scored 13 points, provided him with strong support. In the latter minutes of the game, Lemetti—the eighth overall draft pick of the Fil-Swedish team—proved to be especially important, scoring eight of his 13 points during a decisive 16-3 run that swung the score in Rain or Shine’s favor.

After overcoming the Blackwater Bossing 110-97 earlier in the week at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, Rain or Shine’s triumph vaulted them to the top of Group B in the early going of the competition.

The defeat marked a dismal beginning to Barangay Ginebra’s campaign, particularly in light of Justin Brownlee’s return. The star import was restricted to just 18 points, which is quite low by his usual standards. He is coming off of a good stint with the Philippine national team in recent international tournaments. With 20 points, Japeth Aguilar led Ginebra in scoring, and Stephen Holt—a highly sought-after offseason addition—started the team’s first game for the Gin Kings with 13 points.

The story of the game revolved around Brownlee’s comeback to PBA competition—his first since April 2023. Expectations were high for Brownlee’s impact because he was instrumental in Team Philippines’ victories at the Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Latvia, the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, and the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Nonetheless, the Elasto Painters’ defensive tactic was successful in reducing his impact on the game.

Ginebra had a narrow 52-51 advantage at the end of the third quarter, but the game was still closed going into the fourth. But the Gin Kings could only muster 12 points in the pivotal fourth quarter due to their offensive woes. Rain or Shine was able to take advantage of this offensive drought and gain the upper hand.

Felix Lemetti’s heroics in the fourth quarter were especially impressive. The rookie scored crucial baskets to help overcome Ginebra’s 62-57 lead, showcasing his potential. In the last minutes of the game, his performance—combined with Fuller’s steady play throughout—proved to be the deciding factor.

This win is a huge confidence boost for Rain or Shine at the beginning of the season. With Brownlee back in the lineup, they defeated Barangay Ginebra, a team that has always been a contender, sending a clear message about their competitiveness in the Governors’ Cup this year.

However, Ginebra will have to get back together fast. The defeat makes clear where more needs to be done, especially in terms of continuing to be offensively consistent throughout the match. The team’s next major priorities will probably be figuring out how to best utilize Brownlee’s impact and integrating Stephen Holt into their scheme.

This early upset win by Rain or Shine gives the PBA Governors’ Cup a fascinating new aspect as it progresses. It sets the setting for what looks to be an interesting and competitive season, where resolute teams like the Elasto Painters will pose serious challenges to established powerhouses like Ginebra.