Luck and Hard Work in Rain or Shine’s Recent Victory
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters secured a strong 113-96 win over NorthPort in their last game, but even coach Yeng Guiao admitted that luck played a significant part. Facing a NorthPort squad missing its star player Arvin Tolentino due to a hip injury, the Elasto Painters took full advantage, showing grit and hustle despite missing two of their key big men — Keith Datu (calf injury) and Beau Belga (vertigo).
However, Guiao understands that they can’t rely on fortune alone as they head into a tougher matchup against the Meralco Bolts.
“You’re hoping your luck would hold out, pero Meralco kalaban so medyo mabigat,” Guiao admitted, signaling the more serious challenge ahead.
Meralco’s Heightened Urgency After Back-to-Back Losses
Meralco, currently with a 2-2 record, is entering Sunday’s game at the Ynares Center in Antipolo with a sense of urgency. After suffering consecutive losses, including a 97-109 defeat to Phoenix Super LPG on April 13, the Bolts have had ample time to regroup and refocus.
Coach Luigi Trillo noted that his players have responded positively in practice, showing energy and determination to bounce back.
“The guys are moving well. Parang we put in the work this past week and sana ma-translate sa magandang ipapakita,” Trillo said.
Yet Trillo remains wary of Rain or Shine’s aggressive style of play, praising their ability to push the pace and pressure opponents early.
“Against Rain or Shine you have to be at your best. They play hard, they push the pace, they put you on your heels,” he emphasized.
Key Battle: Size Versus Speed
One of the biggest storylines in the upcoming clash is the battle between Meralco’s size and Rain or Shine’s speed.
Meralco boasts a formidable frontline led by Raymond Almazan, Brandon Bates, and Cliff Hodge — giving them a clear height advantage, especially with Rain or Shine potentially still missing Datu and Belga.
Rain or Shine, however, is determined to use its quickness to level the playing field. Led by hustlers like Gabe Norwood, Santi Santillan, Adrian Nocum, and Caelan Tiongson, the Elasto Painters even managed to outrebound NorthPort despite their lack of size.
Still, Guiao is realistic about the challenge.
“We know we are at a disadvantage in size so the pressure now is on us to be able to play our strong suit, which is playing with a lot more pace,” Guiao explained.
He also highlighted the need for improved defense, pointing out that Meralco’s size extends not just to its bigs but also to its guards and wings.
“They were already bigger than us even before we lost our bigs,” Guiao said.
Strategic Adjustments on Both Sides
While size is an obvious advantage for Meralco, Coach Trillo also acknowledged that bigger players sometimes struggle against quicker teams. He emphasized that Meralco must guard against being exposed in transition and on pick-and-roll situations.
“Size can work against you kasi hindi ka nakakadepensa ng pick-and-roll, handoffs, ng takbuhan,” Trillo pointed out.
Thus, both teams are preparing to maximize their strengths while minimizing their weaknesses: Rain or Shine aiming to run and outpace the bigger Bolts, and Meralco seeking to impose their physicality while adjusting defensively to keep up with the Elasto Painters’ speed.
Conclusion: A Test of Style and Willpower
Sunday’s matchup is shaping up to be a compelling test of contrasting styles — Meralco’s size and interior strength versus Rain or Shine’s pace and hustle.
For Rain or Shine, securing a second straight win would not only improve their record to 2-1 but also prove they can overcome adversity even with an undermanned frontcourt. Meanwhile, Meralco is desperate to end its two-game skid and reassert itself as a playoff contender.
Whether it’s Rain or Shine’s speed or Meralco’s size that will prevail remains to be seen. One thing is certain: both squads are coming into this battle ready for a fierce fight.