The race for the remaining playoff bonuses heats up with two contenders in Rain or Shine and San Miguel set to duke it out in Cagayan de Oro in PBA Philippine Cup action.
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters aim to continue their momentum and secure a critical edge in the playoff race as they take on the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup on Saturday, June 7.
Gametime is set at 7:30 p.m. in the Cagayan de Oro City Convention Center.
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Now at 6-3, the Elasto Painters have punched their ticket to the playoffs but are far from content, with a twice-to-beat incentive still up for grabs. A win over the 6-2 Beermen would be a massive step in that direction—and Rain or Shine is riding back-to-back victories to build its case.
Their latest triumph, a gritty 94-85 win over Terrafirma last June 4, showed just how deep and balanced coach Yeng Guiao’s roster has become.
Five players scored in double figures, led by Jhonard Clarito’s 12 points. Andrei Caracut chipped in 11, while Leonard Santillan, Francis Escandor, and Anton Asistio added 10 apiece in a collective effort that wore down the Dyip.
Now comes the real test.
San Miguel, winners of its last three games, will have a full-strength roster with the return of Juami Tiongson, Marcio Lassiter, and Jeron Teng. But Rain or Shine has shown all season it’s more than capable of rising to the occasion.
With playoff positioning—and a vital twice-to-beat bonus—on the line, expect Rain or Shine to bring its full arsenal as it collides with the league’s most storied franchise in front of a roaring crowd in Cagayan de Oro.
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(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
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[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]