Rain or Shine weathers Terrafirma rally, boosts playoff bid in PBA Philippine Cup

The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters secured a crucial 94-85 victory over the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the PhilSports Arena, strengthening their bid for a coveted twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

While the final score suggests a comfortable win for Rain or Shine, the game was anything but, as the struggling Terrafirma squad, despite being out of playoff contention, mounted a spirited comeback that tested the Elasto Painters’ resolve.

Rain or Shine established an early lead, at one point stretching it to 18 points. However, Dyip, playing with a “nothing to lose” mentality as noted by Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao, showcased surprising grit. Led by Louie Sangalang’s game-high 22 points and Stanley Pringle’s 18 markers, Terrafirma launched a significant rally, cutting the deficit to a mere three points, 83-80, with just over three minutes left in the fourth quarter.

“It’s hard if you give them a small window, they’re going to gain confidence. It’s really different playing without pressure for them and just trying to give a good show so that’s what I’ve been telling them, to be cautious,” Guiao remarked after the game. “And that’s what happened, but it’s a good thing we were able to hold them back.”

FINAL: Rain or Shine registers a 94-85 win over Terrafirma in the PBA Philippine Cup. | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/ekzEstObWK

— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) June 4, 2025

The Elasto Painters, however, held their nerve. Jhonard Clarito, who finished with a team-high 12 points along with five rebounds and three steals, and Andrei Caracut, who chipped in 11 points, delivered crucial baskets in the dying minutes. Caracut ignited a personal 7-0 run, and Clarito sank a timely three-pointer with a foul, effectively dousing Terrafirma’s upset hopes.

The victory improves Rain or Shine’s record to 6-3, tying them with Barangay Ginebra for a share of the No. 4 spot in the standings. Coach Guiao emphasized the team’s new goal: “Nung una kasi, we were just trying to get to six wins. Now, we’ve got to six wins. Now, we’re trying to get to eight wins. Eight wins gets you twice-to-beat. No doubt about that sa kuwenta namin.”

For Terrafirma, the loss extends their losing streak to nine consecutive games, bringing their record to 1-9. Despite the defeat, Stanley Pringle’s performance was notable as he became the 100th player in PBA history to reach 5,000 career points. Louie Sangalang led the Dyip in scoring with 22 points, complemented by four rebounds, three assists, and three blocks.

Rain or Shine’s balanced attack saw five players reach double figures, with Santi Santillan, Francis Escandor, and Anton Asistio each contributing 10 points. Coach Guiao also made a conscious effort to utilize his bench, ensuring his key players remain fresh for their challenging upcoming schedule, which includes a crucial showdown against San Miguel Beer on Saturday.

As Terrafirma look to finish their season against Blackwater, Rain or Shine sets its sights on solidifying a top-four finish, knowing that their road to the playoffs will only get tougher from here.

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