Two teams with different agendas but the same sense of urgency—Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters—are set to clash at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig this Wednesday in a pivotal matchup for the PBA Philippine Cup.
Elasto Painters Look to Regain Momentum
Coming off a disappointing 103-111 loss to a shorthanded yet blazing TNT squad on May 21, Rain or Shine slipped to a 4-3 win-loss record, pushing them down to the middle of the standings. Despite the setback, Coach Yeng Guiao and his squad are still within striking distance of the top four—teams that earn a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
Crucial Final Stretch Ahead
Rain or Shine must bounce back quickly if they want to stay in contention for a top-tier playoff position. Their upcoming schedule includes:
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Phoenix Super LPG
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Terrafirma Dyip (currently at the bottom of the standings)
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San Miguel Beermen
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Barangay Ginebra
The next two games may seem manageable, but the final stretch features two powerhouse opponents, making Wednesday’s clash even more crucial.
Belga to Sit Out for Safety
Veteran big man Beau Belga experienced a dizzy spell in their last outing and, though cleared to play, will be rested as a precautionary measure, according to Coach Guiao. His absence will be felt in terms of leadership and inside presence.
Phoenix in Must-Win Territory
On the other end, Phoenix Super LPG is fighting for survival. With a 2-5 record, the Fuel Masters are currently in ninth place, three games behind the eighth-ranked Meralco Bolts (5-5)—the cutoff for postseason qualification.
Recent Performance and Challenges
Phoenix’s two wins came against Meralco and TNT, but they have suffered setbacks at the hands of:
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Terrafirma Dyip
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Converge FiberXers
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Magnolia Hotshots
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San Miguel Beermen
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Barangay Ginebra
Upcoming Games
After facing Rain or Shine, the Fuel Masters will have to navigate a tough closing stretch, taking on:
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NLEX Road Warriors
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NorthPort Batang Pier
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Blackwater Bossing
Coach Jamike Jarin and his team are well aware that any more losses could effectively shut the door on their playoff hopes.
What’s at Stake?
For Rain or Shine, a win would keep them in close pursuit of a top-four finish and offer much-needed momentum before tougher matchups. For Phoenix, the game is nothing short of a must-win. With their playoff hopes hanging in the balance, the Fuel Masters need to come out firing to stay in the race.
Tip-off is set for 7:30 p.m., and fans can expect a gritty, high-stakes battle as both teams fight to keep their PBA Philippine Cup dreams alive.