Rain or Shine Elasto Painters flipped the script at the Ynares Center, dominating the Meralco Bolts with a 128-116 masterpiece in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup.

Handicapped by the absence of Caelan Tiongson, Beau Belga, and Keith Datu, Rain or Shine refused to fold — instead, they cranked up the tempo and left Meralco gasping for answers.

Santi Santillan exploded for 27 points and 7 rebounds, while Gian Mamuyac and Adrian Nocum each fired in 24 points to lead a stunning offensive avalanche. Nocum’s 22-point second-half eruption completely buried any hopes of a Meralco comeback.

Coach Yeng Guiao’s game plan was simple yet lethal: play faster than anyone could catch.

“We had no size. All we had was speed and willpower,” said Guiao. “So, we ran them out of the building.”

Even veteran Gabe Norwood turned back the clock, posting 12 points, 5 rebounds, and rock-solid defense across nearly 38 minutes of hustle and heart.

On Meralco’s side, Bong Quinto led with 23 points, but the Bolts’ 20 costly turnovers — and Rain or Shine’s blazing pace — proved insurmountable.

Despite winning the rebounding battle (55-40), Meralco collapsed under Rain or Shine’s relentless waves of attacks.

By halftime, Rain or Shine had already built a cushion (66-59), and by the start of the fourth quarter, the rout was on (102-82).

It was Rain or Shine’s highest scoring output of the season — and it couldn’t have come at a better time.