Rain or Shine Hands Magnolia its First Loss in PBA PHL Cup

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

The Rain or Shine Elastopainters became the first team in the ongoing PBA Philippine Cup to defeat the rolling Magnolia Hotshots Chicken Timplados, 119-105, on May 18, 2025, at the Ynares Center II, in Montalban.

Entering a waxing-hot six-game winning streak, the Chicken Timplados finally found their kryptonite as the young Rain or Shine squad used its speed and perimeter switch mismatches, especially during the first quarter when the Elastopainters raced to a 37-21 lead.

From their fast break points to their quick curl actions to free up their wing shooters, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao prepared his wards for their greatest matchup so far since the PHL Cup kicked off.

Known for his ability to dissect the opposing team’s weaknesses, Guiao let his quick guards do the early damage as Adrian Nocum took on every Magnolia defender confidently and took them to school.

Nocum set the tone for Rain or Shine with his daredevil drives, backstopped by Jhonard Clarito who posed a huge mismatch down the post as his shiftiness and mobility gave Ian Sangalang a hard time keeping up with his pace.

Magnolia found some positive sight at the end of the second quarter when Zavier Lucero got into a mini heater to close the half, but the Elastopainters dropped the hammer in the third frame when their efficient inside-outside attack ballooned their lead to as much as 21 points.

From that sequence, Rain or Shine never looked back and ended the game with style, banking on their run-and-gun attack that negated Magnolia’s half-court set defense.

Nocum continued his consistent PBA PHL Cup campaign after leading Rain or Shine with 20 points and seven rebounds, including several razzle dazzle finishes that drew loud oohs and aahs from the crowd.

Backstopping the young floor general was Santi Santillan, the team’s steady operator at the post, delivering a monster double-double outing of 17 markers and 13 boards.

Clarito, who led Rain or Shine’s insane rally in the third, chipped in an all-around effort of 14 points, five rebounds, and five assists.

“Medyo minalas sila, tapos maganda ‘yung shooting naming. We were making our three-point shots. And we were able to play at our own pace. Gusto namin yung pace namin kanina,” said Guiao after the win.

Rain or Shine will look to maintain their momentum on May 21, 2025, when they square off against the Meralco Bolts, while the Chicken Timplados aim to rebound against the NorthPort Batang Pier, on May 24, 2025.