Rain or Shine kept its PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup campaign alive after delivering a commanding performance against Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday night, May 27, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. The Elasto Painters controlled the game early and never allowed the Gin Kings to fully recover.

With the victory, Rain or Shine avoided falling behind 3-1 in the best-of-seven semifinal series and instead pulled even at 2-2. The matchup now turns into a shortened race to two wins, with both teams heading into a crucial Game 5.

ROS locals step up

Rain or Shine secured a 97-85 win behind balanced production from its local rotation after import Jaylen Johnson dealt with foul trouble for most of the second half. Johnson still managed 13 points and 12 rebounds despite limited playing time.

Christian Manaytay provided a major spark off the bench and emerged as one of the game’s key contributors. He finished with 11 points, three rebounds, and one assist in just 18 minutes of action while helping stabilize the team during important stretches.

Other local players also delivered timely contributions as Gian Mamuyac scored 12 points, while Jhonard Clarito and Adrian Nocum added 11 each. Mike Malonzo and Josh David likewise supplied productive minutes that helped Rain or Shine maintain control throughout the contest.

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said the team’s focus was on extending the series and maximizing the advantage of a deeper rotation. He emphasized that sustaining the series gives the Elasto Painters a better opportunity to compete against the more experienced Gin Kings.

The Elasto Painters established control early and built a sizable advantage before halftime. Rain or Shine entered the break with a commanding 58-36 lead after dominating both ends of the floor in the opening two quarters.

Ginebra struggles offensively

Barangay Ginebra struggled to find consistent offensive rhythm throughout the game despite another strong effort from import Justin Brownlee. Brownlee finished with 27 points and 10 rebounds, continuing to carry much of the offensive load for the Gin Kings.

Scottie Thompson added 20 points, while Japeth Aguilar contributed a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds in his return from injury. However, the rest of the team struggled to generate enough offense to seriously threaten Rain or Shine’s lead.

Shooting efficiency proved to be a major difference between the two teams as Rain or Shine connected on nine three-pointers while limiting Ginebra to only two makes from beyond the arc. The Elasto Painters also shot significantly better from the field overall.

Rain or Shine’s bench also outperformed Ginebra’s reserves during the first half, helping the team sustain momentum and maintain a comfortable cushion entering the final two quarters.

The series now shifts to a critical Game 5 on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, where both teams will attempt to gain the upper hand in what has become a tightly contested semifinal showdown.