Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Tag: Rain or Shine Elasto Painters

  • RJ Abarrientos prioritizes winning over stats after leading Barangay Ginebra to PBA Finals

    RJ Abarrientos prioritizes winning over stats after leading Barangay Ginebra to PBA Finals

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel once again reinforced its reputation as one of the Philippine Basketball Association’s most dominant franchises after securing a 118-107 victory over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in Game 6 of their 2026 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal series on Sunday, May 30, at a packed Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    The win allowed the Gin Kings to close out the best-of-seven series, 4-2, and punch their ticket to the conference finals, continuing a deep playoff run powered by a blend of veteran leadership and the emergence of a new generation of contributors.

     

    As has often been the case in high-pressure situations, Justin Brownlee once again set the tone for Ginebra. The veteran import delivered a commanding performance on both ends of the floor, while young guard RJ Abarrientos provided sustained scoring punch and composure beyond his years as the duo led the charge in sealing the series-clinching win.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Brownlee’s continued excellence further cements his legacy as one of the most impactful imports in PBA history, consistently delivering in crucial moments for the franchise. Alongside him, Abarrientos continued his rapid rise as one of the league’s brightest young guards, showcasing his growing confidence and offensive versatility in the postseason spotlight.

     

    The former Rookie of the Year has been particularly impressive throughout the semifinal series, stringing together back-to-back 30-point outings and proving to be a difficult matchup for Rain or Shine’s defensive schemes.

     

    Despite his standout numbers, Abarrientos emphasized that his focus remains on team success rather than individual accolades.

     

    “I don’t care about my score and stats. Ang focus ko dito is maging second coach sa loob ng court. Kailangan kong makapag-create sa teammates ko. It’s just doing my thing, mga maliliit na bagay,” Abarrientos said in a media interaction.

    His consistency has given Ginebra another reliable scoring option alongside Brownlee, allowing the team to maintain offensive balance and flexibility throughout the series. With defenses increasingly focusing on limiting the veteran import, Abarrientos has capitalized on his opportunities, attacking mismatches and creating plays in key stretches.

     

    Now one of Ginebra’s most reliable postseason performers in this series, the 26-year-old guard is determined to sustain his form as the team shifts its focus to the championship stage.

     

    “Kung ano yung ibigay sa akin, kailangan ko lang mag-execute at aralin kung ano yung pwede kong i-counter. They know na lalaro ako ng 20 to 30 minutes, and different guys will defend me and bump me, so I wish I could do that in the Finals also,” he added.

     

    Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, known for his trust in disciplined systems and player development, was full of praise for Abarrientos and the team’s young core, particularly their ability to withstand playoff pressure and execute in high-stakes moments.

     

    “They were targeting him and putting multiple players on him to get him out of his game, but his strength and character didn’t allow that. His determination tonight was just amazing. He had it in his face and body language that he was going to have a big game tonight. He put together back-to-back huge games, and that’s difficult in the playoffs,” Cone stated.

     

    The veteran coach also highlighted the collective effort of the roster, noting how several young and less experienced players have stepped up at critical junctures of the conference, helping Ginebra sustain its championship push despite the intensity of the semifinal battle.

     

    With the victory, Barangay Ginebra now advances to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, where they will face the winner of the other semifinal series between TNT Tropang Giga and the Meralco Bolts. The league has yet to finalize the schedule and venue for the championship series, but anticipation is already building for another potential classic featuring one of the PBA’s most storied franchises.

     

    As Ginebra moves one step closer to another title opportunity, the combination of Brownlee’s proven brilliance and Abarrientos’ rising star power continues to make them one of the most formidable forces in the league heading into the finals.

     

     

     👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Yeng Guiao proud of Rain or Shine despite another PBA semifinal exit

    Yeng Guiao proud of Rain or Shine despite another PBA semifinal exit

    Rain or Shine’s gallant run in the 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup came to a heartbreaking conclusion on Sunday, May 30, as the Elasto Painters absorbed a 118-107 loss to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in Game 6 of their semifinal series at a packed Ynares Center in Antipolo.

     

    The defeat allowed Ginebra to clinch the best-of-seven series, 4-2, and secure a berth in the conference finals. Behind another stellar performance from resident import Justin Brownlee and the continued emergence of young guard RJ Abarrientos, the Gin Kings proved too much to handle in the deciding contest, ending Rain or Shine’s hopes of advancing to its first finals appearance in several conferences.

     

    Despite the disappointment of another semifinal exit, Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao chose to focus on the positives after the game, praising his team’s resilience and growth throughout the conference.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    “I’m proud of what we have accomplished this conference. We made it all the way to the semifinals. We have lost a couple of players (Felix Lemetti and Luis Villegas) along the way, but we still put up a good fight against Ginebra,” Guiao said during the postgame press conference.

     

    “Ginebra deserves to win the finals. They played with consistency in this series. They shot the ball well, especially from the three points. Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos just carried them on their shoulders. We found it hard to really match up with those two guys. They deserved to make it to the finals. We wish them the best of luck in the finals. On our side, we will start preparing for the next conference. We will determine who our import will be,” he added.

     

    The series was highly competitive and showcased Rain or Shine’s determination against one of the league’s perennial championship contenders. The Elasto Painters stunned Ginebra by taking Game 1 and later battled back to level the series at 2-2, raising hopes that they could finally break through the semifinal barrier that has repeatedly stood in their way.

    However, Ginebra’s championship experience and ability to deliver in critical moments ultimately made the difference. Brownlee once again demonstrated why he is widely regarded as one of the greatest imports in PBA history, while Abarrientos consistently provided scoring and playmaking support throughout the series.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the result marked yet another painful ending. It was the fifth time in the last six conferences that the franchise has been eliminated in the semifinals, a statistic that reflects both the team’s consistency in reaching the league’s latter stages and its continued struggle to take the final step toward championship contention.

     

    Still, Guiao believes the experience gained from this campaign will be invaluable as the team continues its development.

     

    “Of course, there’s a sense of frustration, but we still have a long way to go. We still have a long way to go. We still need to learn how to build a team that can compete in the finals. We are happy about our import, Jaylen Johnson, but Brownlee played a different game. He could be the best import of all time, considering all that he’s achieved in all the years that he’s played. We gave ourselves a chance.

     

    “Actually, every game, we have a chance to win. There’s a chance that whatever momentum we build up, at the point where we can probably turn the tide, they have an answer. That’s how it is,” Guiao concluded.

     

    While the latest semifinal setback will undoubtedly sting, Rain or Shine can take pride in a campaign that highlighted the team’s grit, competitiveness, and ability to challenge one of the league’s powerhouse franchises. Despite injuries and roster challenges throughout the conference, the Elasto Painters remained in contention until the final stages and pushed Ginebra harder than many expected.

     

    As the organization turns its attention to the next conference, management and coaching staff will evaluate the roster, assess import options, and continue building around a core that has consistently proven capable of competing with the PBA’s elite teams. The ultimate goal remains clear: transforming repeated semifinal appearances into a long-awaited return to the PBA Finals.

     

     

     👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Momentum meets pressure as Rain or Shine, Ginebra clash in pivotal Game 5

    Momentum meets pressure as Rain or Shine, Ginebra clash in pivotal Game 5

    For the first time in this semifinal series, the pressure may no longer be sitting entirely on Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    After spending most of the matchup trying to keep pace with the more experienced Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the Elasto Painters suddenly enter Friday night carrying something different — momentum, belief, and a genuine shot at changing the direction of their franchise.

     

    Rain or Shine forced the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinal into a virtual best-of-three after a convincing 97-85 win in Game 4, setting up a massive 7:30 p.m. clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum with the series tied at 2-2.

     

    And while much of the conversation surrounding the series has shifted toward the tension-filled exchange between coach Yeng Guiao and Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua after the last game, Guiao is more interested in what happens between the lines.

     

    “If you’re coming off a win, you have momentum, you have confidence,” Guiao said.

     

    For the veteran coach, Game 5 is less about emotions and more about mathematics.

    “Now [the series is a virtual] best-of-three. So, if it’s a best of three, whoever wins Game 1, has more than a 50 percent chance of winning the series,” he said. “So, I think the biggest (game a team needs to) win is going to be (the game) on Friday.”

     

    Rain or Shine enters the swing game with growing confidence in the formula that brought it back into the series.

     

    Unlike previous years when the Elasto Painters leaned heavily on a few stars, this Rain or Shine squad has survived because of its depth. That identity showed fully in Game 4 when Joshua David and Christian Manaytay delivered key minutes while import Jaylen Johnson and Adrian Nocum dealt with foul trouble.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    The balanced attack helped Rain or Shine dictate the pace and frustrate a Ginebra team that struggled to find enough support outside of Justin Brownlee and Scottie Thompson.

    Now the challenge becomes sustaining it.

     

    The Gin Kings remain one of the league’s most battle-tested playoff teams, and Game 5s have historically favored veteran-heavy squads capable of adjusting quickly after losses. Ginebra will likely look for stronger contributions from its supporting cast, particularly rookie RJ Abarrientos after he finished with just eight points on 3-of-8 shooting in Game 4.

     

    Still, this suddenly feels like a different kind of opportunity for Rain or Shine.

     

    The franchise has repeatedly knocked on the door in recent conferences without fully breaking through. Now, it sits two wins away from its first Finals appearance since the 2016 Commissioner’s Cup championship — notably the last conference where no San Miguel Corporation-backed team reached the Finals.

     

    Since then, SMC franchises have controlled the league’s championship landscape for 22 straight conferences.

     

    Rain or Shine now has a chance to finally interrupt that streak again.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • “Wag niyang pakialamanan ‘yung team namin”: Alfrancis Chua speaks on tense exchange with Yeng Guiao 

    “Wag niyang pakialamanan ‘yung team namin”: Alfrancis Chua speaks on tense exchange with Yeng Guiao 

    After the Rain or Shine’s convincing 97-85 victory in Game 4 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, the spotlight quickly shifted from the scoreboard to a fiery confrontation involving Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao and Barangay Ginebra team governor Alfrancis Chua.

     

    What started as tension from the sidelines eventually spilled onto the court after the final buzzer, adding another layer of drama to an already heated best-of-seven series now tied at 2-2.

    According to Guiao, frustrations began building as early as the first quarter, when he noticed Chua frequently talking to game officials during live action. 


    The veteran coach believed those actions could affect the referees handling the tightly contested matchup.

     

    Guiao later revealed that he confronted Chua about it, asking him to stop speaking to the referees to avoid intimidating the officiating crew.

     

    That exchange, however, only intensified emotions between the longtime basketball figures.

    The situation escalated further during the customary postgame handshake when, according to Guiao, Chua approached him and asked, “ano raw problema ko sa kanya.”

     

    The Rain or Shine coach also claimed Chua called him “ulol” during the heated exchange.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    Chua chose not to directly address the accusation afterward, offering only brief but pointed remarks before leaving the venue.

     

    “‘Yung team niya, ‘di ko pinapakialamanan eh. Pakialamanan niya ‘yung team niya. ‘Wag niyang pakialamanan ‘yung team namin,” Chua said after the game.

     

    The Ginebra governor also urged Guiao to focus solely on coaching duties.

     

    “Mag-trabaho na lang siya. Mag-coach na lang siya,” Chua said.

     

    Ironically, the confrontation involved two personalities who have shared years of friendship and collaboration within the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP), making the public exchange even more surprising for longtime PBA observers.

     

    The emotional sideline battle unfolded on the same night Rain or Shine seized momentum in the series behind a dominant all-around performance. 

     

    The Elasto Painters built a lead that reached as high as 26 points before securing the 12-point victory that turned the semifinal matchup into a virtual best-of-three.

     

    Now, with tensions rising both on and off the hardwood, anticipation surrounding Game 5 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum has only intensified.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • “Tinawag niya akong ‘ulol’: Yeng Guiao calls out Alfrancis Chua after heated Game 4 clash 

    “Tinawag niya akong ‘ulol’: Yeng Guiao calls out Alfrancis Chua after heated Game 4 clash 

    What began as a crucial semifinal equalizer quickly turned into another fiery chapter in the long-running tension surrounding the PBA’s biggest personalities.

     

    Fresh off Rain or Shine’s gritty 97-85 win over Barangay Ginebra in Game 4 of the Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, Elasto Painters coach Yeng Guiao shifted the conversation away from basketball and toward what he felt was an issue of professionalism and conduct during the game itself.

     

    Instead of celebrating the series-tying victory, Guiao openly addressed his heated postgame confrontation with Ginebra governor Alfrancis Chua — an exchange that unfolded during the traditional handshake line moments after the final buzzer at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.

     

    According to Guiao, the tension had been brewing throughout the game because of what he described as Chua’s repeated interactions with referees during live action.

     

    “Akala ko, makiki-handshake siya,” Guiao said. “Nilapitan ko si (Ginebra) Coach Tim (Cone). Nag-handshake kami. Tapos lumapit siya, tinanong niya ‘ko kung ano raw ang problema ko sa kanya. Sabi ko, ‘wag mo lang kakausapin ang referees.’”

     

    For the veteran coach, the issue was never simply about emotions running high in a playoff environment. Instead, Guiao stressed that team officials — particularly governors — should avoid placing added pressure on referees during tightly contested games where every whistle could influence the outcome.

     

    “I feel as a governor, it’s not his job to keep talking to the referees in such an intimidating way. Never ginawa ‘yun ni Atty. Mert,” he said, referring to longtime Rain or Shine governor Atty. Mert Mondragon. “Ang layo ng behavior.”

     

    Guiao acknowledged that emotional outbursts can naturally happen during high-stakes games, but argued that constant engagement with officials crosses a different line.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    “Maybe sometimes baka paminsan-minsan madala siya ng emosyon, but not every time,” he continued. “Tao rin naman ‘yang mga ‘yan, minsan may bugso ng emosyon. Pero, you cannot do that for Game 1, Game 2, Game 3, Game 4.”

     

    The longtime coach and former PBA commissioner also claimed the situation escalated further after Chua allegedly shouted an insult at him from afar during the confrontation.

    “Tapos from afar, tinawag niya ‘kong ulol,” Guiao said. “‘Yun lang naman sinabi ko. Nagkasagutan kami. I think marami namang nakawitness. I was just asking him to stop talking to the referees. ‘Yun lang ‘yon.”

     

    “‘Di ko naman siya minura. Sabi ko lang ‘wag mo kausapin ang referees, which is a fair statement kasi nakaka-intimidate ‘yun. And in a close series where there are a lot of calls that can determine the game, I’m protecting my team,” he added.

     

    Despite the heated atmosphere, Guiao emphasized that his concern ultimately centered on protecting the integrity of the game and shielding his players from situations that could potentially influence officiating.

     

    With the semifinal series now tied at 2-2, the already intense matchup between Rain or Shine and Ginebra suddenly carries even more tension heading into the pivotal next game.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Rain or Shine turns semis into best-of-three after dominant win over Ginebra

    Rain or Shine turns semis into best-of-three after dominant win over Ginebra

    Rain or Shine refused to let the series slip away, facing a crucial Game 4 in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, the Elasto Painters delivered one of their most complete performances yet, overpowering Barangay Ginebra, 97-85, on Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to knot the series at two games apiece.


    What once looked like a tightening grip for Ginebra has now become a dead-even battle, with the semifinals officially reduced to a virtual best-of-three showdown. 

     

    With momentum suddenly shifting, Game 5 on Friday now carries even greater weight as both teams race for a coveted Finals berth.

     

    The Elasto Painters built a lead that ballooned to as much as 26 points, fueled not by one explosive scorer, but by a collective effort that highlighted the team’s depth on both ends of the floor.

     

    Import Jaylen Johnson anchored the attack with 13 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, controlling the paint while keeping the offense flowing.

     

    But the biggest difference came from the locals, who consistently answered every Ginebra rally attempt.

     

    Team captain Gian Mamuyac sparked the offense with 12 points, including two timely triples that energized the Rain or Shine bench. Rookie Christian Manaytay continued to impress under pressure, adding 11 points, while Adrian Nocum and Jhonard Clarito chipped in identical scoring outputs.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    In total, 12 out of the 13 players fielded by Rain or Shine managed to score at least three points, a balanced system that kept Ginebra’s defense guessing throughout the night.

     

    Still, it was defense that truly defined the Elasto Painters’ bounce-back victory. Rain or Shine made life difficult for Ginebra’s usually reliable stars, forcing uncomfortable possessions and limiting clean looks from deep. 

     

    Justin Brownlee finished with 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, but the numbers came through a tough 9-of-20 shooting performance as defenders constantly pressured him.

     

    RJ Abarrientos never found his rhythm offensively, scoring only eight points on eight attempts while struggling from long distance. Scottie Thompson tried to carry the load with 20 points, but his impact elsewhere was limited to just two rebounds and three assists.

     

    Japeth Aguilar was the only other Gin King in double figures, collecting 10 points and 10 rebounds for his second double-double of the series.

     

    Despite a brief late push that cut the deficit to 10, Ginebra could not fully recover from its cold shooting night. 

     

    The Gin Kings misfired from beyond the arc all game long, finishing just 5-of-23 from three-point range for a poor 21.7 percent clip. Now with the series tied 2-2, the semifinal war shifts into its most critical stretch yet.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • Rain or Shine looks to hit reset as Ginebra eyes semifinal stranglehold 

    Rain or Shine looks to hit reset as Ginebra eyes semifinal stranglehold 

    Rain or Shine suddenly finds itself in unfamiliar territory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals — chasing momentum instead of controlling it.

     

    After opening the series with an impressive Game 1 statement against Barangay Ginebra, the Elasto Painters have now dropped back-to-back games and enter Wednesday’s crucial Game 4 searching for answers before the series completely slips away.

     

    What once looked like a wide-open matchup has quickly tilted in favor of the Gin Kings, who now carry a 2-1 lead and the confidence of a team beginning to impose its identity on both ends of the floor.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the challenge now goes beyond simply scoring enough points. The bigger concern is rediscovering the balance that fueled its upset win to start the series.

     

    Ginebra’s defense has steadily tightened over the last two games, with Scottie Thompson and Stephen Holt leading the disruption. Thompson exploded for 25 points in Game 3, but his defensive activity proved just as damaging, collecting three steals while constantly pressuring Rain or Shine’s decision-makers. Holt added three steals of his own as the Gin Kings forced 20 Elasto Painter turnovers overall.

     

    Much of that pressure fell directly on Rain or Shine’s main creators.

     

    Adrian Nocum committed seven turnovers, while import Jaylen Johnson had four giveaways despite producing another monster stat line of 23 points, 21 rebounds, and eight assists. Johnson continues to fill up the box score, but one major part of his game has disappeared at the worst possible time — his outside shooting.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    After torching teams from deep earlier in the conference, Johnson struggled again from long range in Game 3, hitting just one of seven attempts from beyond the arc. Without that perimeter threat fully clicking, Ginebra has become far more comfortable crowding the paint and limiting driving lanes.

     

    Rain or Shine did find one encouraging sign in defeat, however.

     

    The Elasto Painters finally broke through from three-point territory as a team, knocking down 17 triples in their best outside shooting performance of the series. Caelan Tiongson immediately provided a lift upon returning from illness, draining seven triples, while Andrei Caracut caught fire early and buried five straight threes to help Rain or Shine stay within striking distance.

     

    But perhaps the biggest missing piece was Jhonard Clarito.

     

    After emerging as one of Rain or Shine’s most reliable offensive sparks in the first two games, Clarito was held to just five points on 2-of-6 shooting in Game 3. He still impacted the game defensively with nine rebounds and five steals, yet the Elasto Painters clearly missed his scoring punch.

     

    Now, with Ginebra only two wins away from another Finals appearance, Rain or Shine heads into Game 4 needing more than just another competitive effort.

     

    The Elasto Painters need a response strong enough to stop the series from turning into a runaway.

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.

  • “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    “He is a tough kid”: Tim Cone salutes RJ Abarrientos after playing through broken nose in Game 3 win

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved within striking distance of a return to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals after grinding out a tense 103-98 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinal showdown on Sunday, May 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Backed by another poised performance from longtime resident import Justin Brownlee and a fearless effort from rookie guard RJ Abarrientos, the Gin Kings seized a pivotal 2-1 series lead and gained momentum heading into a crucial Game 4 encounter.

     

    As he has done countless times in high-pressure situations, Brownlee delivered when Ginebra needed him most. The veteran reinforcement finished with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while expertly controlling the tempo and orchestrating the offense in the closing minutes. Brownlee’s steady presence once again proved invaluable as the Gin Kings weathered repeated comeback attempts from a gritty Rain or Shine squad.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Abarrientos, meanwhile, continued to cement his growing reputation as one of the league’s toughest young guards. The rookie floor general chipped in 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds despite playing through a painful broken nose suffered during Game 2 after taking an elbow from Rain or Shine forward Jhonard Clarito.

     

    Initially entering the game wearing a protective mask, Abarrientos quickly abandoned it after struggling to adjust while on the floor. Rather than allow the discomfort to affect his rhythm, the young guard elected to continue the game without it, drawing admiration from teammates, coaches, and fans alike for his toughness and determination.

     

    “Parang hindi ako makahinga kapag may mask, hindi ko makuha yung rhythm ko. Mag-mamask talaga dapat. Pero wala eh, pag hindi kumportable, aalisin ko talaga. Yun din sabi sa akin, pag hindi kumportable, alisin ko na lang. Ganun talaga kaya nilaro ko na lang,” Abarrientos said after the game.

     

    Despite visibly dealing with pain throughout the contest, Abarrientos never backed down from the physicality of the semifinal battle. He attacked the defense aggressively, made timely baskets, and handled significant minutes as Ginebra leaned heavily on its backcourt execution late in the game.

    His willingness to play through injury earned glowing praise from veteran head coach Tim Cone, who highlighted the rookie’s courage and competitive spirit during the postgame press conference.

     

    “We were hoping that he would wear a mask. But he was complaining about it even yesterday when we brought it over. He was complaining about it before the game. I wasn’t surprised that he took it and threw it at my feet,” Cone said in the postmatch press conference.

     

    Cone went on to commend Abarrientos for refusing to sit out despite the severity of the injury and the physical demands of a tightly contested playoff game.

     

    “He is a tough kid. Really, really tough kid. His nose was like this big but he wanted to play tonight. He wanted to win tonight. He could be one of those guys that said, ‘I’m hurt, I can’t play.’ He came out and played 41 minutes and 43 seconds with pretty much a busted nose,” he added.

     

    The victory underscored Ginebra’s growing confidence as the series progresses. After splitting the first two games, the Gin Kings appeared more composed and efficient down the stretch in Game 3, executing key plays on both ends to fend off the Elasto Painters’ relentless challenge. Their experience in pressure-packed postseason situations ultimately made the difference in the final minutes.

     

    For Rain or Shine, the loss places the team in a difficult position as it now faces the urgency of trying to even the series before Ginebra can move to the brink of another Finals appearance. The Elasto Painters showed resilience throughout the contest but struggled to contain Ginebra’s late-game execution and Brownlee’s playmaking brilliance.

     

    With momentum clearly shifting toward the league’s most popular franchise, Barangay Ginebra will attempt to tighten its grip on the semifinal series when the two teams collide again in Game 4 on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

     

    Another victory would place the Gin Kings just one win away from the Commissioner’s Cup Finals, while Rain or Shine faces mounting pressure to respond and prevent the series from slipping further out of reach.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans. 

  • Mikee Reyes credits ball boy Eric Nanas for helping Rain or Shine gain fans     

    Mikee Reyes credits ball boy Eric Nanas for helping Rain or Shine gain fans     

    Former UP standout and PBA draft pick Mikee Reyes praised Rain or Shine’s behind-the-scenes content, saying it helps humanize players and grow the PBA’s fanbase.

     

    For years, the PBA has searched for ways to connect deeper with younger fans in an era dominated by social media, short-form videos, and behind-the-scenes access.

     

    According to Mikee Reyes, one team may have already figured it out.

     

    While Rain or Shine continues to surprise people with its playoff run under coach Yeng Guiao, Reyes believes the Elasto Painters are quietly becoming one of the league’s most important teams for another reason entirely: they understand how to make fans care beyond the final score.

     

    In a passionate online commentary during the ongoing PBA semifinals, the former UP Fighting Maroons standout and 2016 PBA Draft pick pointed to Rain or Shine’s consistent behind-the-scenes videos as a blueprint other teams should seriously consider following.

     

    “Bakit good for the league yung Rain or Shine? Kasi nakikita natin yung basketball in another light. Nakikita natin yung daily activities ng pagiging PBA player,” Reyes said.

     

    Instead of limiting fan interaction to game broadcasts and postgame interviews, Rain or Shine has steadily opened its doors online — showing practices, locker room moments, jokes between teammates, road trips, and even ordinary interactions that rarely make it onto television.

     

    For Reyes, that kind of access changes how fans see players.

     

    Rather than distant athletes appearing only during games, the players begin to feel relatable and real.

     

    And perhaps no one represents that unexpected rise in visibility more than Rain or Shine utility man Eric Nanas.

     

    Originally working behind the scenes, Nanas has slowly become one of the franchise’s most recognizable personalities online thanks to his appearances in team content and interactions with players.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

    To Reyes, that added visibility carries real value. “Si Eric Nanas deserves a raise,” Reyes said.

     

    “Yes, ginagawa niya trabaho niya as utility. Pero yung ginagawa niya outside that—being able to market Rain or Shine, being able to humanize Rain or Shine, humanize the practices and the players—may value ‘yon.”

     

    Reyes, who transitioned into sports media and content creation after his basketball career, argued that content creation is no longer optional for teams hoping to grow their audience.

     

    He believes fan engagement today extends far beyond what happens during games themselves.

     

    “Please mag-content kayo. Because it will help not only your brand, but the league,” Reyes said, addressing players directly.

     

    His comments arrive at a time when Rain or Shine has become one of the conference’s biggest surprise stories.

     

    The Elasto Painters are already drawing attention for their gritty semifinal run, but their online presence has amplified that momentum even further, helping casual viewers become emotionally invested in the personalities behind the team.

     

    For Reyes, that may ultimately be the bigger win. In a league constantly searching for ways to evolve, he sees Rain or Shine proving that basketball fans no longer just want highlights — they want connection.

     

    Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

     

    Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and be part of a growing community of passionate basketball fans!

  • Scottie Thompson powers Barangay Ginebra past Rain or Shine for 2-1 PBA semis lead

    Scottie Thompson powers Barangay Ginebra past Rain or Shine for 2-1 PBA semis lead

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel moved a step closer to the Commissioner’s Cup Finals after carving out a hard-fought 103-98 victory over Rain or Shine in Game 3 of their best-of-seven semifinal series on Sunday, May 24, at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City. The Gin Kings now hold a crucial 2-1 advantage in the series heading into the pivotal fourth game.

     

    As expected, resident import Justin Brownlee once again delivered in the biggest moments, finishing with 24 points, nine assists, and eight rebounds while orchestrating Ginebra’s offense with his trademark composure and efficiency. Rookie guard RJ Abarrientos also continued his impressive playoff run, contributing 17 points, five assists, and three rebounds to provide additional firepower for the crowd favorites.

     

    But on a night loaded with standout performances, it was veteran guard Scottie Thompson who stole the spotlight.

     

    OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.

     

    Thompson produced another all-around masterpiece, tallying 25 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and three steals while knocking down five three-pointers to help Ginebra fend off repeated comeback attempts from the Elasto Painters. Time and again, Thompson delivered timely baskets and hustle plays that energized both his teammates and the sea of Ginebra supporters inside the arena.

     

    Despite his stellar outing, Thompson remained humble after the victory and immediately shifted the credit toward the team’s system and preparation under head coach Tim Cone.

    “Yung flow ng offense namin yun, and we move well without the ball, so maraming nao-open. Honestly, I don’t know what to say. I’m just overwhelmed and blessed,” Thompson said after the game.

     

    The victory highlighted Ginebra’s balanced attack and championship experience, particularly in crunch time where the team executed with poise on both ends of the floor. Rain or Shine stayed within striking distance for most of the contest, but the Gin Kings leaned on their veteran core and disciplined execution to preserve the win late in the fourth quarter.

     

    Cone, who has coached Thompson since selecting him fifth overall in the 2015 PBA Rookie Draft, was full of admiration for the former league MVP’s relentless work ethic and consistency over the years.

     

    “There’s nobody better than a guy who comes out and does his job literally every game and every practice. He does all the stuff that no one else wants to do, and it’s just amazing to watch that day in and day out for 10 years now. He just comes to work every game and every day, and he does that day in and day out,” Cone added.

     

    For Cone, Thompson’s performance was hardly surprising. Over the years, the hardworking guard has built a reputation as one of the league’s most dependable stars — a player capable of impacting games far beyond the scoring column through rebounding, defense, hustle plays, and leadership.

     

    With momentum now on their side, Barangay Ginebra will look to tighten its grip on the series when the two squads meet again in Game 4 on Wednesday, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. Meanwhile, Rain or Shine faces mounting pressure as it attempts to level the series against a Ginebra side that appears to be finding its rhythm at the perfect time.

     

     

    👉 Don’t miss out on the latest sports news, updates, and fan discussions!

    📌 Follow our Facebook page Sports PH News today and join the community of passionate sports fans.