The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters mean business. 

Two weeks after suffering their first loss of the 2024 PBA Governor’s Cup to the San Miguel Beermen, the Elasto Painters exacted revenge with a 122-112 victory in their second-round rematch.

The game began as a back-and-forth contest, with Rain or Shine holding a slim 61-59 lead at halftime. The score remained tight until less than four minutes were left in the third quarter, when the Elasto Painters had a three-point advantage, 85-82.

However, that moment marked the game’s turning point. Rain or Shine erupted for a 12-3 run over the next three minutes, extending their lead to 97-85. From that point onward, their lead never fell below nine points as they comfortably controlled the fourth quarter and cruised to a 10-point win.

This victory broke the Elasto Painters’ tie with San Miguel in the standings and improved their record to 7-2, giving them sole possession of first place in Group B of the 2024 PBA Governor’s Cup elimination round. Both teams have one game left in the regular season, coincidentally against the same opponent—the Blackwater Bossing.

Rain or Shine’s performance in this conference has been remarkable, proving that their 4-0 start was no fluke. The Elasto Painters are proving to be legitimate contenders, not only for this Governor’s Cup but for the seasons ahead as well. Their roster runs 12 players deep, with only three—import Aaron Fuller, Beau Belga, and Gabe Norwood—over the age of 30.

This team’s depth was on full display in this crucial win against San Miguel. 

Eight different players scored at least seven points, and only Fuller logged more than 30 minutes. Andrei Caracut led the charge with 20 points, including four three-pointers, along with three rebounds, eight assists, and zero turnovers in just 25 minutes. Caracut continues to showcase that he is one of the brightest young stars in the PBA today and his ability to run this team is a major reason for their success.

Fuller, the team’s 6’6 import, once again demonstrated how his physical and low-maintenance style complements Rain or Shine. He contributed 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks versus the Beermen. Furthermore, the importance of this game seemed to awaken their veteran leaders Belga and Norwood, who had been relatively quiet this conference but stepped up with 16 and 10 points, respectively.

With the postseason fast approaching, all eyes will be on the Elasto Painters to see if they can sustain this momentum. San Miguel swept them out of the semifinals last conference, but these two tightly contested regular-season clashes suggest that a different outcome could be in store if they meet again in the Governor’s Cup playoffs.

Rain or Shine is finally back on the rise and if they can keep this up, it is only a matter of time before they end their eight-year title drought.