Rain or Shine takes on Magnolia for the PBA's first-ever game at the Kingdom of Bahrain in Season 50 Philippine Cup action.
Leonard Santillan and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters look to lock up a coveted twice-to-beat advantage when they face the Magnolia Hotshots in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup on Monday, Dec. 15.
The match starts at 11:55 p.m. (PH time) at Khalifa Sports City Stadium in Bahrain.
The matchup carries added significance as it marks the PBA’s first-ever game in Bahrain and the second out-of-country contest this season, staged as part of the league’s golden anniversary.
At 7-2, Rain or Shine sits on the brink of an outright Top 4 finish, and a win over Magnolia would immediately secure the playoff incentive.
The Elasto Painters enter the game riding back-to-back victories, most recently a gritty 90-84 win over Converge.
Santillan anchored that effort with 16 points and nine rebounds, while Gian Mamuyac and Andrei Caracut added 15 and 13 points, respectively.
Mike Malonzo also delivered a solid double-double of 10 points and 10 rebounds, underscoring Rain or Shine’s balanced attack.
With history and playoff implications on the line, Rain or Shine will aim to impose its trademark toughness early as it seeks to punch its ticket to the upper bracket on foreign soil.
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
—
[Editor’s note: This article was written by a member of One Sports Digital with the help of AI and reviewed by editorial staff for accuracy.]