GAME HIGHLIGHTS
FULL GAME REPLAY
As the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters prepare to face the Blackwater Bossing in the PBA Philippine Cup, they carry both optimism and caution. With a current 2-2 record, Rain or Shine is aiming to return to winning form, but must navigate uncertainties on both sides ahead of their Wednesday clash at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Key Reinforcements Return for Rain or Shine
One significant boost for Rain or Shine is the return of two key big men: Beau Belga and Caelan Tiongson. Both were sidelined due to health issues—Belga with vertigo and Tiongson with back spasms—but are now fit to play. Their presence is expected to improve the team’s interior defense and rebounding, two areas that suffered in their recent 107-97 loss to Converge.
Coach Yeng Guiao acknowledged the morale boost from having Belga and Tiongson back in the lineup, especially after being overpowered in the paint by Converge’s frontcourt duo of Justine Baltazar and Justin Arana. The two combined for a staggering 39 rebounds, nearly matching Rain or Shine’s team total of 40. Without their primary bigs, Guiao noted, it was a tough battle under the boards.
“Mahirap talaga sa amin if we don’t have our regular bigs,” Guiao admitted.
Cautious Optimism Against a Struggling but Capable Blackwater
Despite Blackwater’s 1-3 record, Guiao is not taking the matchup lightly. The Bossing are dealing with injuries of their own, as guards Sedrick Barefield (hamstring) and Christian David (ankle sprain) remain questionable. Their status heading into the game is a major variable that could influence the result.
“Blackwater is still a dangerous team,” said Guiao. “If they’re healthy and have a complete lineup, they can beat any team.”
Guiao emphasized that Rain or Shine is preparing for the possibility that both Barefield and David will be available. He doesn’t want his team to assume otherwise, given the potential firepower of a full-strength Blackwater squad.
Managing Matchups and Expectations
Although Blackwater presents a physical lineup, Guiao is confident that the Painters can neutralize that advantage—especially with Belga and Tiongson back in rotation. Compared to Converge, Guiao believes Blackwater’s size won’t pose the same degree of challenge.
“Hindi kami kasing problematic sa size nila as against Converge, so that lessens some of our concerns,” he said.
With game time set at 5 p.m., Rain or Shine will look to capitalize on its improved health, balanced roster, and renewed focus as it chases its third win of the conference. Meanwhile, Blackwater will try to bounce back from its own slump, possibly with reinforcements of its own.