In a thrilling PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup clash, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters delivered a stunning 119–105 victory over the Magnolia Hotshots, snapping their undefeated streak at 6–0. Rain or Shine jumped out strong from the opening whistle, establishing a commanding 37–21 lead in the first quarter. Their sharp shooting, especially from beyond the arc, put immediate pressure on the Magnolia Hotshots.
Rain or Shine’s Sharpshooting Performance
The Elasto Painters showcased remarkable accuracy, hitting 15 three-pointers throughout the game. Impressively, every player on the Rain or Shine roster contributed at least one successful three-point shot. This team-wide shooting effort overwhelmed the Magnolia Hotshots’ defense and played a pivotal role in securing the win.
Key Players Lead the Charge
Adrian Nocum led Rain or Shine with 20 points and seven assists, while Santi Santillan made a significant impact by recording a double-double with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and three blocks. Bench players like Jhonard Clarito, Felix Lemetti, and Keith Datu also provided crucial scoring, helping maintain the team's momentum.
Struggles for Magnolia Hotshots
Despite the Magnolia Hotshots’ reputation for strong defense and teamwork, they struggled to keep pace with Rain or Shine’s relentless offense. Zavier Lucero was the top scorer for the Magnolia Hotshots with 17 points, supported by veterans Mark Barroca and Ian Sangalang, who each contributed 15 points. Paul Lee added 11 points in an attempt to spark a comeback, but the team was unable to close the early gap.
Implications for the Season
The loss dropped the Magnolia Hotshots to a 6–1 record, ending their unbeaten run but keeping them among the league’s top teams. Meanwhile, Rain or Shine improved to 4–2, gaining valuable momentum as the tournament progresses. This win signals that Rain or Shine is a formidable contender capable of challenging any team.
Looking Ahead
This exciting matchup highlights the increasing competitiveness of the PBA, where every game is fiercely contested. Both teams will look to learn from this game — Rain or Shine aiming to build on their strong performance, and the Magnolia Hotshots seeking to strengthen their defense. As the Philippine Cup advances toward the playoffs, every game will be crucial in shaping the season’s outcome.
