Rain or Shine breaks through, hands Phoenix first defeat of conference

3 days ago

Rain or Shine finally found its breakthrough win—and it came at the expense of the last unbeaten team in the conference.

Behind a dominant outing from import Aaron Fuller, the Elasto Painters defeated Phoenix Super LPG, 105-98, on Tuesday night at the Ynares Center to secure their first victory in the PBA Season 50 Governors' Cup.

Fuller imposed his will with 28 points and 16 rebounds as Rain or Shine bounced back from an 0-2 start while ending the Fuel Masters' perfect run.

The Elasto Painters appeared headed for a routine victory after opening a comfortable lead, but Phoenix refused to go away. An 8-0 run in the closing minutes trimmed the deficit to four points, threatening to erase Rain or Shine's hard-earned cushion.

The Elasto Painters answered when it mattered most. Andrei Caracut calmly knocked down a pressure free throw before Fuller converted off a slick pass from Adrian Nocum, delivering the dagger that secured the seven-point victory.

"Medyo malapit na kaming maging desperado, kailangan na namin talagang manalo," Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao admitted after his team's much-needed win.

Nocum complemented Fuller with an all-around effort of 16 points, six rebounds, and eight assists while directing the offense. Mike Malonzo added 12 points and six rebounds, and Caelan Tiongson chipped in 11 as Rain or Shine improved its footing in Group B.

The matchup also marked Gian Mamuyac's first game against his former club since his trade to Phoenix last week. The former Rain or Shine captain finished with eight points, two rebounds, two assists, and a steal in nearly 22 minutes as a reserve.

BJ Johnson paced the Fuel Masters with 27 points and 11 rebounds, while Kenneth Tuffin continued his solid play with 16 points and eight boards. Jason Perkins contributed 13 points, and Tyler Tio added 12.

Phoenix's comeback bid was further hampered when Ricci Rivero was ejected in the third quarter after picking up two technical fouls.

Rain or Shine now turns its attention to a Sunday showdown with Barangay Ginebra July 26, 2026 at the SMART Araneta Coliseum, while Phoenix looks to regroup against Blackwater on July 28 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.