In a thrilling showdown that had fans on the edge of their seats, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters triumphed over the Meralco Bolts, showcasing an electrifying performance that left Coach Yeng Guiao beaming with joy. The match, filled with intense action and standout plays, had Coach Guiao exclaiming, “Thank you, Lord!” as his team pulled off an impressive victory, even without a traditional big man in the lineup.

From the opening tip-off, Rain or Shine made their presence felt, racing to an early 11-4 lead spearheaded by Gian Mamuyak. The Bolts struggled to keep pace, prompting an emergency timeout as the Painters maintained control. Santi Santillan emerged as a firebrand, scoring 12 consecutive points and driving the Painters to a commanding 66-59 lead at halftime.

The second half saw the momentum intensify, with Rain or Shine’s offense operating at breakneck speed. Santillan continued to shine, racking up 27 points, while the rookie Adrian Nocum sparked excitement with his speed and scoring, tallying 18 points. Despite the Bolts’ valiant efforts, including contributions from CJ Cancino and Kurt Rayon, they were unable to close the gap.

As the final quarter unfolded, the Painters extended their lead to a staggering 20 points, displaying a relentless offensive strategy that kept Meralco on the back foot. Coach Guiao’s strategic challenges paid off, further fortifying his team’s advantage. The game concluded with Rain or Shine showcasing their depth and resilience, leaving fans and analysts buzzing with excitement.

This victory not only highlights the Painters’ potential but also cements Coach Guiao’s return to form, signaling a promising season ahead for Rain or Shine. As the dust settles, one thing is clear: the Painters are back, and they mean business!