Rain or Shine made the most of a key break and a hot start to claim a much-needed win over NorthPort, 113-96, on Wednesday, April 16, in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Gian Mamuyac led the charge with 22 points, including 13 in the opening quarter, to spark an early separation. The Elasto Painters took full advantage of NorthPort missing top scorer Arvin Tolentino, who sat out with a right hip flexor injury.
Leonard Santillan stepped up with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Andrei Caracut added 15, including 12 in the fourth period to help Rain or Shine seal the bounce-back win following a tough 95-109 loss to NLEX.
“We feel na kung nakapaglaro siya mag-iiba complexion ng laro talaga,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao on the absence of Tolentino, who had 19 points and 12 assists in NorthPort’s last outing against Terrafirma.
![Gian Mamuyac drives past a NorthPort defender during his 22-point performance. [PBA Images]](http://sportsbytes.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/PBA-Images1020.jpg)
Rain or Shine was also without key big men Beau Belga (vertigo) and Keith Datu (calf strain), but still dominated the boards, 66-54. The E-Painters pulled down 27 offensive rebounds, converting them into 27 second-chance points—critical in overcoming their 7-of-48 shooting from beyond the arc.
“Napakalaking bagay din nu’ng offensive rebounding,” Guiao noted. “We were missing open shots, especially threes, but our effort on the glass really made the difference.”
NorthPort fought back from early deficits of 6-24 and 33-51, trimming the lead to 48-56 at halftime and even narrowing the gap to 73-80. But Mamuyac and Santillan pushed Rain or Shine ahead 86-75 entering the final period.
Despite physical exchanges between Caelan Tiongson and Sydney Onwubere, the Elasto Painters kept their composure. Tiongson had 15 points and eight rebounds, while Caracut joined the scoring burst to stretch the lead to 104-85 and ice the game.
William Navarro paced NorthPort with 22 points and 12 boards for his second straight double-double. Joshua Munzon added 14 points and seven assists, while Jio Jalalon finished with 11 points and six assists.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 113 – Mamuyac 22, Santillan 17, Caracut 15, Tiongson 15, Nocum 10, Norwood 9, Asistio 9, Malonzo 7, Clarito 5, Borboran 4, Escandor 0, Lemetti 0.
NorthPort 96 – Navarro 22, Munzon 14, Jalalon 11, Nelle 11, Onwubere 10, Flores 8, Bulanadi 6, Yu 5, Taha 5, Miranda 4, Tratter 0, Cuntapay 0.
Quarters: 31-17, 56-48, 86-75, 113-96
