Rain or Shine Coach Yeng Guiao gears up to challenge TNT, Bol Bol in PBA clash

Rain or Shine, under the guidance of veteran coach Yeng Guiao, is set to face off against TNT Tropang Giga and their towering import Bol Bol this Friday, March 20, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

The Elasto Painters come off a solid 116-109 win against the Macau Black Knights in their season opener of the PBA 50th Season Philippine Cup.

Coach Guiao acknowledges TNT’s potential advantage, having scouted Rain or Shine’s first match and with the presence of Bol Bol, a towering import making his first overseas stint after playing for three NBA teams between 2019 and 2025.

“Playing TNT and not having seen them play with Bol Bol, I think, gives them some sort of an advantage. They’ve seen us play now,” Guiao said. 

“But at the same time, we also look at it as an advantage on our part for them to be playing their first game because I’m sure there’s going to be some adjustments on their part also,” he added.

While TNT may have had the chance to study Rain or Shine in their opener, Guiao sees a potential edge in Bol Bol still adjusting to the pace and style of the PBA. 

“I’m sure Bol Bol is going to be feeling out the game and making some adjustments. That might be an advantage for us, him not being able to familiarize and acclimatize himself with the local game,” the 66-year-old veteran coach noted.

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PBA SCORES RECAP | The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters activate in the fourth quarter to seal the win and Jaylen Johnson’s veteran presence spelled the difference in the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ hard-earned victory over the Macau Black Knights.#PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/KYHPs7LW6n

— Kapatid Insider (@KapatidInsider) March 15, 2026

Despite missing the chance to clash in the previous conference after falling to Meralco Bolts in the playoffs, the Elasto Painters are eager to reclaim their standing in the elimination round with strategic adjustments and team chemistry.

Beyond the on-court matchup, this game represents an early test of endurance and adaptability for both squads, with Rain or Shine hoping to leverage their cohesive rotation and home-court momentum. 

Coach Guiao believes the tactical chess match will be decided not just by Bol Bol’s presence but also by how quickly TNT’s supporting cast can adapt to Rain or Shine’s defensive schemes and transition game.

Later in the evening, the Macau Black Knights will face off against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

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