Rain or Shine Elasto Painters showed nerves of steel and a champion’s heart, uncorking a blistering 18-4 closing run to crush Blackwater Bossing, 120-106, Wednesday night in the 2025 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Trailing by as much as eight in the first half and tied at 102 with just minutes left, Rain or Shine turned to Adrian Nocum, Santi Santillan, and birthday boy Caelan Tiongson to flip the switch and break away in the fourth quarter. The Elasto Painters claimed their third win in five games with defensive stops, transition buckets, and unwavering composure under pressure.

“Their shooting was incredible early on. They made their 3s, even their 4s,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. “But we played the pace we wanted and trusted that we’d get our break in the fourth. True enough, we locked in on defense when it mattered most.”

Blackwater caught fire in the second quarter, knocking down 15 of their 25 shots and sinking four triples to seize a 68-60 halftime advantage. But Rain or Shine responded in the second half with patience, persistence, and plenty of hustle on both ends.

Keith Datu anchored the Elasto Painters with 27 points, including 20 in the first half that helped keep them within striking distance. Nocum finished with 23, including six key points during the game-winning burst, while Tiongson delivered 14 points in his return from a two-game absence due to back spasms—just in time to celebrate his 33rd birthday with a win.

“It’s a testament to the team’s character,” said Guiao. “They never folded despite Blackwater’s torrid shooting. We stayed patient, waited for the right time, and executed.”

Blackwater had four players in double digits, led by Christian David’s 28 points and Sedrick Barefield’s 23. They sank 15 three-pointers and three rare four-point plays, including a near-halfcourt bomb from David to end the first quarter within 33-37. But their offense sputtered when it mattered most.

Despite RK Ilagan adding 16 points and Mike Ayonayon chipping in nine, Blackwater couldn’t counter the aggressive drives and fastbreaks of Rain or Shine in the fourth. The Elasto Painters also got timely contributions from Gian Mamuyac, Andrei Caracut, Jhonard Clarito, and Santillan, all scoring in double figures.

The win helps Rain or Shine bounce back from a stinging 107-97 loss to Converge and keeps their Philippine Cup campaign firmly on track.