Rain or Shine got the job done even without an import by taking down Meralco, 109-102, to gain the provisional lead of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup standings, Friday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Jaylen Johnson served the one-game ban he got slapped with in the aftermath of his fistfight with Glenn Khobuntin in their eventual win over TNT the last time out, but the Elasto Painters managed without him extremely well.
In fact, Coach Yeng Guiao’s men even surged to a 17-point lead during the second chapter, before putting together a strong finish en route to dealing the Bolts their first loss while they collected their third victory in as many outings.
The troika of Luis Villegas, Felix Lemetti, and Jhonard Clarito joined hands for the decisive 11-0 rally toward a 106-94 lead with 2:52 remaining, all but sealing the deal after the Bolts threatened by knocking to within a point twice.
(C) PBA Images
“I guess it’s basically the mindset, ‘yun ‘yung kailangan mo,” offered Guiao when asked about going in without reinforcement. “We told the guys we’re just not here to go through the motions, we have to have that intention of still winning.
“Our game plan was to stay close, try not to give them a good lead or lead that we can’t overcome, and we did,” added the champion mentor.
Five players finished in double figures in the triumph, with Lemetti showing the way with a season-high 23 points, most of which he collected from the free throw line with a 12-of-13 clip, on top of two rebounds and three assists.
Adrian Nocum made 17 points, including 13 in the second period alone, alongside six rebounds. Caelan Tiongson made 16 points and five rebounds, with Clarito flirting with a double-double with 15 points and nine rebounds.
Christian Manaytay went a perfect 5-for-5 from the floor and ended up with 12 points for RoS, who knocked down 10 threes, six of which they made in the opening period alone as they came out strong and finished with a 29-23 lead.
The Elasto Painters will try to extend their winning streak to four when they face Robert Upshaw and Blackwater on Tuesday, March 31, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium–one of two games to be played before the Holy Week break.
(C) PBA Images
Chris Newsome carried Meralco with a game-high 29 points in the loss as import Marvin Jones was held scoreless in the second half.
Jones appeared to be bound for a big night when he already had 17 in the first half, but it proved to be his output by game’s end as he was Rain or Shine’s focal point on defense, with the frontcourt pieces taking turns going against him.
Jones, though, had 16 rebounds and three assists, but his absence in the final two quarters proved to be an issue that his team couldn’t get through.
Jason Brickman supplied 15 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Bong Quinto made 14 points, while CJ Cansino added 13 for the Bolts.
Meralco (2-1) will look to bounce back immediately when it takes on Joshua Munzon and the 1-2 Titan Ultra this Sunday, also at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Rain or Shine 109 – Lemetti 23, Nocum 17, Tiongson 16, Clarito 15, Manaytay 12, Mamuyac 8, Villegas 6, Malonzo 5, Santillan 4, Belga 3, David 0, Asistio 0, Caracut 0, Roque 0.
Meralco 102 – Newsome 29, Jones 17, Brickman 15, Quinto 14, Cansino 13, Banchero 6, Mocon 6, Hodge 2, Bates 0, Magbuhos 0, Black 0.
Quarterscores: 29-23, 51-44, 78-76, 109-102.
#WATCH: WE PLAYED WITH NOTHING TO LOSE 🏀
Yeng Guiao and Felix Lemetti talk about Rain or Shine’s big win over Meralco despite playing all-Filipino#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/58S0LqfySe
📹 @justinebacnis /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/kT57HJeUW6
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) March 27, 2026
