0416 norvsros 1
0416 norvsros 2
0416 norvsros 3
0416 norvsros 4
Mamuyac Leads the Charge in a Bounce-Back Victory
After a rocky start to their PBA Philippine Cup campaign, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters made an emphatic comeback on Wednesday, cruising to a 113-96 victory over the NorthPort Batang Pier at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. This win allowed them to even their record at 1-1 and regain some early momentum in the conference.
Rising star Gian Mamuyac spearheaded the Elasto Painters’ offensive outburst, scoring a team-high 22 points. Remarkably, he dropped 18 of those in the first half, setting the tone early and giving Rain or Shine a cushion they would hold on to the rest of the way. His aggressive play and timely shot-making helped galvanize a team that had suffered a disappointing loss to NLEX in their conference opener just days earlier.
Capitalizing on NorthPort’s Missing Star
While the Elasto Painters delivered a stellar all-around performance, they also benefited from a bit of good fortune. NorthPort was without their top scorer Arvin Tolentino, who sat out due to a right hip flexor injury. His absence was clearly felt, as the Batang Pier struggled to keep pace, particularly on offense.
Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao acknowledged Tolentino’s absence as a major break for his squad:
“Malaking bagay na wala si Arvin. We prepared for Arvin to play today. It’s just a lucky break na hindi siya nakapaglaro. We feel na kapag naglaro siya, mag-iiba ang complexion ng laro talaga,” Guiao said post-game.
Despite the advantage, Guiao made it clear that the win wasn’t handed to them. The team executed well and found ways to dominate despite some key players missing from their own rotation.
Overcoming Adversity in the Frontcourt
Rain or Shine entered the game with significant concerns in the frontcourt. Veteran big man Beau Belga was unavailable due to vertigo, and promising forward Keith Datu missed the game because of a strained calf. On paper, this created a glaring disadvantage in size and interior presence. But the Elasto Painters found a way to turn a weakness into strength—dominating the rebounding battle with relentless energy.
Rain or Shine hauled down an impressive 66 rebounds, including a staggering 27 offensive boards. This hustle on the glass proved to be one of the defining factors of the contest, especially as the team struggled to connect from long range.
Guiao praised his players’ effort on the boards, saying:
“Napakalaking bagay din ‘yung offensive rebounding. We were missing shots that were open that I felt we could have made especially those open threes, but what saved the day for us was our offensive rebounding. I think this is the first time we got that much number of offensive rebounds.”
Team Contributions Across the Board
While Mamuyac stole the spotlight, it was far from a one-man show. Santi Santillan provided a double-double effort with 17 points and 10 rebounds, delivering crucial contributions on both ends of the floor. Andrei Caracut and Caelan Tiongson each chipped in 15 points, giving the Elasto Painters balanced scoring across multiple positions.
The team’s ball movement, unselfish play, and relentless activity on both ends were visible throughout the match. Their bench played with intensity and purpose, helping maintain pressure on a NorthPort team that never seemed to find a consistent rhythm.
NorthPort Struggles Without Tolentino
The Batang Pier had their moments, especially with William Navarro stepping up in Tolentino’s absence. He finished with 22 points and 12 rebounds, doing his best to fill the offensive void and provide a spark. Joshua Munzon also contributed a well-rounded performance with 14 points, five rebounds, and seven assists.
However, it was clear that NorthPort lacked the firepower to compete for four full quarters. Their defense allowed too many second-chance points, and their offense leaned heavily on isolation plays that couldn’t crack Rain or Shine’s collective schemes.
Statistical Highlights
-
Gian Mamuyac: 22 points (18 in the first half)
-
Santi Santillan: 17 points, 10 rebounds
-
Andrei Caracut & Caelan Tiongson: 15 points each
-
Rain or Shine Total Rebounds: 66 (27 offensive)
-
William Navarro (NorthPort): 22 points, 12 rebounds
-
Joshua Munzon (NorthPort): 14 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists
Coach Guiao’s Perspective: Encouraging Signs Amidst Uncertainty
After the game, Yeng Guiao expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance, especially in terms of grit and adaptability. The ability to adjust without two core frontcourt players and still dominate the paint was a testament to the team’s depth and system.
He emphasized that while the team isn’t firing on all cylinders yet, games like these are important to build confidence and chemistry moving forward.
“We’re still trying to find our identity this conference,” said Guiao. “But seeing the effort from everyone—especially with key guys out—shows that we have the pieces to be competitive every night.”
What’s Next for Rain or Shine and NorthPort
Rain or Shine will look to build on this win as the Philippine Cup progresses. With one win and one loss under their belt, consistency will be the key. They’ve shown that they can adjust and fight through adversity, but tougher matchups await as the conference moves deeper.
For NorthPort, the urgency to get Tolentino back on the floor is becoming increasingly apparent. While role players like Navarro and Munzon have shown flashes of brilliance, the team needs its top gun to stay competitive in a stacked field. Defensive rebounding and offensive execution are two areas they’ll need to tighten up immediately.
A Glimpse of Rain or Shine’s Potential
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ 113-96 win over NorthPort wasn’t just about getting into the win column. It was a glimpse of what this team could be when firing on all cylinders—scrappy, versatile, and relentless.
They may not be title favorites yet, but if Mamuyac continues to emerge as a scoring threat, and if the rest of the roster embraces Guiao’s defensive-minded, hustle-first philosophy, this team could surprise a lot of people in the Philippine Cup.
For NorthPort, the loss isn’t necessarily cause for panic—but it is a wake-up call. Missing one star shouldn’t unravel the team’s competitive edge. The coming games will test their depth, resolve, and ability to respond to adversity.
As the tournament heats up, both teams have something to prove. And on this night, Rain or Shine just wanted it more.