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Tag: Yeng Guiao

  • Meralco’s Cliff Hodge responds after Yeng Guiao calls him “dirtiest player in the league”

    Meralco’s Cliff Hodge responds after Yeng Guiao calls him “dirtiest player in the league”

    The Meralco Bolts suffered another setback in their 2026 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup campaign after absorbing a narrow defeat to the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, August 2. While the final result further dented Meralco’s playoff hopes, the game quickly became overshadowed by a heated on-court collision and the latest chapter in the long-running feud between Cliff Hodge and Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.

     

    Midway through the third quarter, Hodge and Rain or Shine guard Adrian Nocum collided during a fast-break sequence that left both players writhing in pain on the hardwood. The physical play immediately drew the attention of officials, teammates, and fans, with both players requiring assistance before eventually getting back on their feet.

     

    The incident reignited Guiao’s long-standing criticism of Hodge, with the veteran tactician delivering another scathing assessment during his postgame press conference. Guiao labeled the Meralco forward as the “dirtiest player in the league,” reviving a rivalry that dates back more than a decade.

     

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    The latest comments added another layer to a relationship that has been marked by controversy over the years. In 2014, Guiao was fined P100,000 by the PBA after referring to Hodge with an offensive slur following a separate on-court incident. Despite that history, Guiao did not hold back in expressing his frustration over Sunday’s collision, once again questioning Hodge’s style of play.

     

    Hodge, however, refused to escalate the situation.

     

    Speaking with reporters after the game, the veteran forward brushed aside Guiao’s remarks, insisting that he harbored no ill feelings toward the outspoken coach.

    “Coach Yeng always hasn’t liked me, so whatever he says, it’s okay,” Hodge said. “I play hard for my team, that’s all I do. Coach Yeng is Yeng. You guys know, everyone knows and the world knows how he is. He likes to say that, I will let him say that. That’s his personality. No hard feelings from me.”

     

    Hodge also explained his side of the play involving Nocum, maintaining that he was simply attempting to make a defensive stop rather than initiate unnecessary contact.

     

    “I saw him coming full speed,” Hodge explained. “I went in to take a charge and at the moment I was going to take a charge, he sidestepped. He sidestepped right into my knee and then he dished it, so then we both went down.”

     

    The collision sparked plenty of discussion among fans and observers on social media, with opinions divided over whether the contact was an unfortunate basketball play or another example of Hodge’s trademark physicality. Throughout his PBA career, the former Best Import has built a reputation as one of the league’s toughest and most relentless defenders, often drawing both praise for his hustle and criticism for his aggressive approach.

     

    For Meralco, however, the postgame controversy does little to ease the team’s growing concerns on the court.

     

    The Bolts dropped to 2-4 in Group B, leaving them at the bottom of the standings and facing increasing pressure as the elimination round enters its crucial stretch. With every remaining game carrying significant playoff implications, Meralco can no longer afford many more setbacks if it hopes to secure a place in the next phase of the tournament.

     

    Head coach Luigi Trillo and the Bolts will now turn their attention to regrouping ahead of another stern test. Meralco is set to return to action on Friday, August 7, when it faces the Magnolia Hotshots at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in a matchup that could prove pivotal in its bid to revive its Governors’ Cup campaign.

     

    As for Rain or Shine, the victory not only strengthened its position in the standings but also highlighted the team’s resilience in a tightly contested battle. Yet despite the important win, much of the postgame conversation centered on the renewed war of words between Guiao and Hodge—a rivalry that, more than a decade later, continues to generate headlines whenever their paths cross.

     

     

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  • Yeng Guiao credits Adrian Nocum’s maturity after career night lifts Rain or Shine over Ginebra 

    Yeng Guiao credits Adrian Nocum’s maturity after career night lifts Rain or Shine over Ginebra 

    Rain or Shine’s early struggles in the PBA Season 50 Governor’s Cup may have forced adjustments, but those changes are beginning to reshape the team’s identity.


    After dropping its first two games of the conference, the Elasto Painters have responded with consecutive victories, and much of that resurgence has come from a different version of Adrian Nocum. Rather than relying solely on his trademark athleticism and scoring ability, the explosive guard has embraced a larger responsibility as Rain or Shine’s primary playmaker.

     

    That transformation was on full display Sunday night as Rain or Shine outlasted Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, with Nocum orchestrating the offense in one of the finest all-around performances of his young PBA career.

     

    The 26-year-old produced 13 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out a new PBA career-high 10 assists, surpassing his previous best while recording his highest assist total of the conference. It also marked another steady step in his development after consistently creating opportunities for teammates throughout the tournament.

     

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    Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao revealed that Nocum’s emergence as a floor general has been a deliberate move after the team’s sluggish start.

     

    “We’re actually, on purpose, trying to play him a lot more minutes at the point,” said Yeng Guiao after their 0-2 start to the Season 50 Governors’ Cup.

     

    The gamble has quickly paid dividends. Nocum has now recorded at least six assists in every game this conference and has raised his average to 7.75 assists per contest, while continuing to provide scoring with 17.5 points per game. 

     

    His ability to balance attacking the basket with creating for teammates has given Rain or Shine’s offense a different rhythm during its two-game winning streak.

     

    For Guiao, the numbers only tell part of the story.

     

    “His decision-making is getting better, more mature, and he’s also partly… nagpapakita rin siya ng leadership,” lauded the champion bench tactician.

     

    Nocum’s growth has also coincided with a broader shift inside the Rain or Shine locker room. Following the trade that sent former captain Gian Mamuyac elsewhere, Caelan Tiongson has taken over the leadership role, and Guiao believes that transition has encouraged more players—including Nocum—to embrace greater accountability on and off the floor.

     

    “Si Caelan, as the leader now, is also able to inspire other guys to be part of that leadership and be accountable to their teammates. I think that’s part of the maturity of the team. We’re able to adjust to situations,” he said.

     

    While the statistical leap has been impressive, Nocum admitted the adjustment hasn’t come easily. Long recognized as one of Rain or Shine’s most explosive finishers, he has had to rethink his approach by focusing more on directing the offense and making the right reads.

     

    Still, the results have made the transition worthwhile. With back-to-back victories, the Elasto Painters have climbed back to an even 2-2 record after opening the conference with two straight defeats.

     

    “Siyempre from 0-2, ngayon 2-2 na,” the 2024 All-Rookie Team member said.

     

    Rain or Shine will now look to extend its winning streak to three when it takes on the Magnolia Hotshots on Friday, July 31, carrying with it a renewed confidence built around Nocum’s continued evolution from high-flying scorer into a dependable floor general.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao questions PBA’s shift to FIBA rules despite support for Gilas

    Yeng Guiao questions PBA’s shift to FIBA rules despite support for Gilas

    Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao believes the PBA’s transition toward FIBA rules could benefit Philippine basketball in the long run, but not without a few growing pains.

     

    As the league continues aligning its rulebook more closely with international standards ahead of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, the veteran mentor acknowledged the intention behind the changes while pointing out several areas he believes still need refinement.

     

    For Guiao, adapting to the new system will take time—not just for players, but for coaches, officials, and teams as a whole.

     

    “Fiba rules are okay, but I think it may take some time for teams to get used to it,” Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said. “I still think there are PBA rules that can still improve the game. But I guess the PBA is trying to help our national team by leaning towards Fiba rules.

     

    “But there’s no perfect system. We know that some of the PBA rules are lacking by themselves and the same can be said with Fiba rules,” added the outspoken mentor.

     

    Rather than criticizing the league’s decision outright, Guiao recognized the PBA’s effort to better prepare Filipino players for international competition, where FIBA regulations have long been the standard.

     

    Still, one particular change stood out for the longtime coach—the revised Challenge System.

     

    Under the new guidelines, teams are now limited to a single coach’s challenge regardless of whether the original challenge is successful. Previously, coaches who won a challenge were rewarded with another opportunity later in the game.

     

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    Guiao believes the revised rule reduces a coach’s ability to correct crucial officiating errors, especially during tightly contested matches.

     

    He also took issue with another limitation carried over from FIBA rules: the inability to directly challenge foul calls.

     

    “You cannot challenge the fouls,” he said. “You can only challenge whether it would be upgraded or downgraded. So the leverage goes back to the referees. If the referees make a mistake, you cannot do anything about it. Unlike before, as a coach, you can have a remedy.”

     

    For Guiao, the concern is less about resisting change and more about preserving coaches’ ability to seek corrections when critical mistakes occur.

     

    As the PBA embraces a rulebook that mirrors the international game, coaches and teams are expected to adjust throughout the conference. But if Guiao’s observations are any indication, the transition could also spark continued discussions on whether every aspect of the FIBA system is the best fit for the country’s professional league.

     

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  • 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.

     

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    “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.

     

     

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  • “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.

     

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    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.

     

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  • “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.

     

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    “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.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao fears long semifinals absence for Luis Villegas after Rain or Shine Game 1 victory

    Yeng Guiao fears long semifinals absence for Luis Villegas after Rain or Shine Game 1 victory

    Rain or Shine may have opened its PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinal campaign with a statement win, but the Elasto Painters walked out of the Ynares Center in Antipolo carrying more concern than celebration.


    The Elasto Painters survived Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 115-111, in Game 1 clash Wednesday night, yet the bigger story after the final buzzer quickly shifted toward the health of their already battered roster — particularly emerging big man Luis Villegas.

     

    What looked like a breakthrough semifinal performance for Rain or Shine suddenly became a test of survival after Villegas limped off midway through the third quarter following a fastbreak layup attempt against Brgy. Ginebra’s Justin Brownlee.

     

    The injury happened at the 11:20 mark of the period and immediately silenced the ROS bench, especially with the team already navigating through multiple absences entering the series.

     

    Coach Yeng Guiao later confirmed the forward is expected to miss the remainder of the best-of-seven semifinals due to a suspected hamstring injury.

     

    Despite the setback, Villegas tried to ease concerns after the game, clarifying that the injury was not related to his knee and assuring he was “okay” while exiting the venue.

     

    Still, his absence creates another major hole for a Rain or Shine squad that has relied heavily on depth, energy, and physicality throughout the conference.

     

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    The Elasto Painters were already without key contributors before Game 1 even tipped off. 

     

    Defensive ace Caelan Tiongson missed the contest due to diarrhea and remains questionable for Friday’s Game 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

     

    Rain or Shine is also missing veteran big man Keith Datu for the entire conference, while rookie Jun Roque continues to recover. Guards Felix Lemetti and Stanley Pringle likewise remain unavailable, stretching the team’s rotation thinner despite their strong opening win.

     

    Yet even undermanned, Rain or Shine found ways to outwork Ginebra in Game 1. The Elasto Painters dictated the tempo early with relentless transition offense and timely perimeter shooting, forcing the Gin Kings into a fast-paced battle that favored ROS’ mobility. 

    Their ability to constantly attack before Ginebra’s defense could get set became one of the defining factors in the series opener.

     

    Import Jaylen Johnson anchored the inside presence for ROS, while the locals delivered crucial baskets down the stretch to fend off repeated Ginebra comeback attempts led by Brownlee.

     

    Ginebra trimmed the deficit late in the fourth quarter, but Rain or Shine’s composure in the final possessions allowed them to protect the lead and steal homecourt momentum in the series.

    Now, however, the challenge shifts from winning one game to sustaining a best-of-seven series with an increasingly depleted frontline.

     

    Guiao, though, remains unfazed despite losing one of his most active forwards.

     

    “Beau is still available. Expect a bigger role for him. We can also play small ball if we have to,” the veteran coach Yeng Guiao said.

     

    That likely means a heavier workload for veteran center Beau Belga, whose experience and physicality could become vital against Ginebra’s imposing frontcourt rotation.

     

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  • Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    Tim Cone, Yeng Guiao rivalry adds another chapter as Ginebra and Rain or Shine collide anew 

    For decades, the PBA has evolved through different stars, dynasties, and eras. But somehow, Tim Cone and Yeng Guiao have remained constant.

     

    Now, more than 30 years since both first stepped into the league, the two coaching legends are once again standing on opposite sides of a playoff series — this time with a trip to the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals hanging in the balance.

     

    Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Rain or Shine may headline the matchup on paper, but behind the teams stands a far deeper story: two of the most influential basketball minds the league has ever seen preparing to test philosophies that have shaped generations of Philippine basketball.

     

    One built dynasties through precision, discipline, and structure. The other forged his legacy weaponizing pressure, emotion, and relentless chaos. And somehow, both approaches kept winning for decades.

     

    That contrast is exactly why their rivalry continues to endure.

     

    “I just know how hard it is to go up against Yeng Guiao. His teams play the game extremely hard and extremely fast,” Cone admitted after Ginebra dismantled Phoenix, 112-81, to book its semifinal seat.

     

    The respect between the two runs deep because few coaches truly understand what the other has survived through.

     

    Cone arrived in the PBA in 1989 and almost immediately established himself as one of the league’s brightest tacticians. Guiao followed a year later, bringing with him the fiery personality and edge that would eventually define his coaching career.

     

    From there, their paths repeatedly crossed through changing generations of players and franchises.

     

    Cone collected championships through powerhouse systems, highlighted by Alaska’s legendary 1996 Grand Slam and San Mig Coffee’s historic repeat in 2014.

     

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    Meanwhile, Guiao became the league’s ultimate culture-builder — the coach who consistently convinced overlooked teams they could punch above their weight. He steered Red Bull to multiple championships in the early 2000s before later delivering Rain or Shine its breakthrough title in 2012.

     

    Perhaps most impressively, Guiao’s 2016 Commissioner’s Cup title with the Elasto Painters remains the last championship won by a team outside the SMC and MVP groups — a reminder of how dangerous his teams become when underestimated.

     

    Cone understands that better than most.

     

    “Coach Yeng is so experienced in all these things. Sometimes, I feel I have a little edge on that time, but not with coach Yeng. We came in the league at the same time and we’ve been coaching the same amount of years. He’s been through it all,” Cone added.

     

    This latest collision arrives with Ginebra carrying momentum after crushing Rain or Shine during the elimination round. But Cone knows playoff basketball erases old results quickly — especially against a Guiao-coached squad.

     

    “You don’t put too much salt in that game and you just have to let it go. Like I said, we know the kind of team that they present so that’s what we’re gonna be ready for, not our last game,” he insisted.

     

    Because if there is one lesson their rivalry has repeatedly taught the league over the years, it is this:

     

    No lead, reputation, or previous result ever feels safe once Cone and Guiao begin matching moves from opposite benches again.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao embraces underdog tag as Rain or Shine braces for dangerous San Miguel showdown 

    Yeng Guiao embraces underdog tag as Rain or Shine braces for dangerous San Miguel showdown 

    Rain or Shine spent most of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations proving it belonged among the league’s elite. Yet even after securing the No. 3 seed and a twice-to-beat advantage, the Elasto Painters still enter the playoffs carrying a familiar label — underdogs.

     

    And for head coach Yeng Guiao, that is perfectly fine.

     

    Standing in Rain or Shine’s path is a San Miguel side that may have finished lower in the standings but still carries the weight of championship pedigree, star power, and playoff experience. The Beermen, after all, remain the reigning Philippine Cup champions and appear to have rediscovered their rhythm at the right time.

     

    Instead of resisting the narrative, Guiao is leaning into it.

     

    “We embrace the thought that we’re still considered the underdogs vs. SMB,” he said. “That’s been our whole identity ever since. We come to compete on Friday without doubt and hesitation that we have what it takes to win and get to the next level.”

     

    Rain or Shine earned its twice-to-beat incentive the hard way.

     

    Powered by its relentless pace and transition-heavy attack, the Elasto Painters stormed to a 9-3 record during the eliminations, including a statement 116-112 victory over San Miguel last April 8. At one point, Rain or Shine looked unstoppable, opening the conference with seven straight wins behind its aggressive, high-energy system.

     

    But Guiao knows the version of San Miguel awaiting them in the playoffs is no longer the same team they faced weeks ago.

     

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    When the two squads first met, the Beermen were still trying to stabilize their import situation with Justin Patton. Since then, San Miguel has turned back to Bennie Boatwright — the same reinforcement who helped deliver a championship last season — and the results have immediately followed.

     

    Boatwright’s arrival brought renewed offensive firepower and familiarity to the Beermen setup, helping San Miguel regain momentum heading into the postseason.

     

    “We know it’s going to be tougher than our first meeting. Boatwright brings more scoring and chemistry to their team than Patton did when we first played them,” Guiao admitted.

     

    That adjustment has transformed San Miguel back into a team capable of overwhelming opponents with experience, shot-making, and championship composure — qualities that make them a dangerous lower-seeded playoff team despite Rain or Shine’s advantage.

     

    Still, the Elasto Painters believe their style gives them a real chance to challenge the Beermen.

     

    Rain or Shine’s speed, depth, and willingness to push the pace have troubled even the league’s top contenders all conference long. And with two opportunities to secure a semifinal berth, Guiao hopes his squad can capitalize immediately rather than extend the series further against a seasoned powerhouse.

     

    “We have two chances to get lucky against them. We hope we can deliver in our first attempt,” he said.

     

    Now comes the real test for Rain or Shine — proving its breakthrough elimination run can survive the unforgiving pressure of playoff basketball against one of the PBA’s most battle-tested dynasties.

     

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  • Yeng Guiao stays grounded as Rain or Shine eyes reset after Ginebra loss 

    Yeng Guiao stays grounded as Rain or Shine eyes reset after Ginebra loss 

    There are losses that expose flaws—and then there are nights where the opponent simply can’t miss.

     

    For Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, Sunday fell into the latter.

     

    Head coach Yeng Guiao didn’t dwell on missed opportunities or tactical missteps after their 114-90 defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. Instead, he pointed to a reality that’s hard to counter in basketball—an opponent locked in from deep.

     

    Ginebra’s shooting display turned the game into a long uphill battle. The Gin Kings knocked down 21 shots from beyond the arc, flirting with the league record and finishing just two shy of the all-time mark. They shot an efficient 48 percent from three-point range and nearly 50 percent overall, converting 41 of their 83 attempts.

     

    “They shot really well. They made 21 three-point shots, that’s almost the record,” Guiao said. “They were two short of the record. It’s really hard to beat a team that is shooting that well.”

     

    It wasn’t just the volume—it was the consistency. Ginebra also capitalized inside and at the line, keeping their offensive rhythm steady throughout the game. On the other end, Rain or Shine struggled to match that efficiency, finishing at just 37 percent from the field.

     

    Yet despite the lopsided scoreline, the bigger picture remains unchanged.

     

    Rain or Shine’s early seven-game winning streak continues to serve as a cushion, allowing them to absorb setbacks without losing control of their playoff positioning. Even after dropping three of their last four games, the Elasto Painters still hold their fate in their own hands heading into the final stretch of the eliminations.

     

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    “We are still chasing our ninth win. Hindi talaga para sa amin itong larong ito,” Guiao said.

    That ninth win carries significant weight. A victory in their final elimination game against Titan Ultra Giant Risers would secure a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, a crucial edge in the postseason.

     

    For Guiao, the approach moving forward is clear—no overreactions, just recalibration.

     

    “This is where you’re benefiting from yung good start. We had a seven-game winning streak. Now, we have a margin for error. We still have one game to take our ninth win and that’s against Titan.Hopefully, makabalik kami, win our ninth game and be assured of being in the Top Four,” he said.

    “After that, preparasyon na lang sa playoffs. We just have to move forward from this game. I don’t think we could have done anything on our side. Sabi ko nga, they shot the ball really well. On our side, we couldn’t execute the way we wanted to. I think we have to credit their defense. They played good defense on us. They really had a good game plan, executed it well. Ganun pa man, our record is still good. The only thing that is important to us is make nine wins, get a twice-to-beat, and then wait for your match-up and prepare for that. Yun lang gagawin namin,” Guiao added.

     

    In a long conference, not every loss carries the same weight. For Rain or Shine, this one feels more like a reminder than a setback—a night where the shots didn’t fall, the opponent couldn’t miss, and the real objective still lies ahead.

     

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