“It was good while it lasted”: Yeng Guiao unfazed as Rain or Shine streak ends, shifts focus to twice-to-beat goal

For Rain or Shine’s head coach Yeng Guiao, the end of a winning streak wasn’t a moment of frustration—it was simply part of the process.

After guiding the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a blazing 7-0 start, Guiao watched his squad absorb its first loss, an 87-83 setback to the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Tuesday. The defeat trimmed their record to 7-1.

“It was good while it lasted. Mangyayari naman talaga ’yon, mapuputol at some point. Also, it releases some pressure off us. Ang gusto lang talaga is makarating kami ng nine wins and secure the twice-to-beat. Of course, we like to win as much and as many as we can, but darating yung araw na maalat talaga,” Guiao said.

Even during their unbeaten stretch, Guiao had repeatedly cautioned against getting too comfortable. That foresight showed as he treated the loss less as a setback and more as a recalibration point for a young, fast-paced roster that has thrived on momentum.

Against Phoenix, Rain or Shine struggled to impose its usual tempo. A flurry of missed layups and turnovers allowed the Fuel Masters to seize control late, turning the game into one played on their terms.

“Ganun talaga. Yung shift ng momentum, we couldn’t back our own momentum. Masyadong magkasunod yung mga missed layups and turnovers, one after another. Sila naman, pumasok yung mga tres nila at mga layups nila pumapasok din. We played a game that I felt more in their pace. Hindi namin nai-push yung bola,” the 66-year-old veteran coach explained.

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“It was good while it lasted” — Coach Yeng Guiao after Rain or Shine’s first defeat in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup | @jonasterradoINQ pic.twitter.com/YuHJA2xjha

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Despite the stumble, the Elasto Painters remain in a strong position atop the standings. More importantly, Guiao’s focus hasn’t wavered from the bigger goal—securing a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the playoffs.

“We knew there was going to be a bad night one of these days. Mabuti, nakapagpundar na kami ng mga panalo. We don’t want to feel too bad about it. Because overall, we’re really okay. We’re still number one. We try to keep our objective, which is secure twice-to-beat,” he added.

Rain or Shine also missed the services of Felix Lametti, who continues to recover from a left knee sprain. The Fil-Swedish guard had been averaging 11.29 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.43 rebounds prior to the injury, making his absence felt in the backcourt rotation.

Still, Adrian Nocum stepped up with 20 points, five rebounds, and one assist in a losing effort.

On the other side, Jason Perkins led Phoenix with 20 points, while James Dickey added 17 and Tyler Tio contributed 16 to complete the comeback win.

With tougher matchups looming against Magnolia Hotshots, NLEX Road Warriors, and Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, Guiao’s calm demeanor could prove just as valuable as any winning streak.

For Rain or Shine, the message from their coach is clear, the streak may be over but the bigger mission is just beginning.

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