As Rain or Shine’s winning streak continued, head coach Yeng Guiao repeatedly reminded everyone that the law of averages would eventually catch up with them.
That moment came on a quiet Tuesday night, as the Elasto Painters suffered their first loss in the 2026 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, falling 87-83 in a come-from-behind defeat to the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
“It was good while it lasted. Mangyayari naman talaga ’yon, mapuputol at some point. Also, it releases some pressure off us. Ang gusto lang talaga is makarating kami ng nine wins and secure the twice-to-beat,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.
“Of course, we like to win as much and as many as we can, but darating yung araw na maalat talaga.”
Coming into the contest, Rain or Shine led the league in both offense and pace.
But on paper, one of the few teams built to match the Elasto Painters’ young, high-speed core was the equally youthful Fuel Masters.
Despite falling behind by as many as 18 points, 53-35, early in the third quarter, Charles Tiu’s squad refused to back down, mounting a steady comeback behind Jason Perkins, Tyler Tio, and James Dickey.
(C) PBA Images
“Ganun talaga. Yung shift ng momentum, we couldn’t back our own momentum. Masyadong magkasunod yung mga missed layups and turnovers, one after another. Sila naman, pumasok yung mga tres nila at mga layups nila pumapasok din. We played a game that I felt more in their pace. Hindi namin nai-push yung bola,” lamented the seven-time PBA champion coach.
“May araw talaga na ganito, and I’m still happy with our overall performance.”
Rain or Shine also badly missed guard Felix Lemetti.
The 6-foot-1 Fil-Swedish guard, who had been averaging 11.29 points, 3.0 assists, and 2.43 rebounds this conference, suffered a left knee sprain during Rain or Shine’s 124-117 win over Terrafirma last April 15 after a collision with Dyip import Mubashar Ali.
Despite absorbing their first defeat, Guiao remains unbothered, given the tough stretch ahead in their schedule.
Rain or Shine still faces Magnolia on the 25th, NLEX on the 29th, Ginebra on May 3, before closing the elimination round against bottom team Titan Ultra.
“We knew there was going to be a bad night one of these days. Mabuti, nakapagpundar na kami ng mga panalo. We don’t want to feel too bad about it. Because overall, we’re really okay. We’re still number one. We try to keep our objective, which is secure twice-to-beat,” said Guiao.
“So I think, if you’re looking at it from a positive perspective, it’s time to reset. Nakapanalo ka na ng pitong beses, we lost one, maybe we can look forward to another win streak. Parang nakaka-relieve din ng pressure.”
