Elasto Painters Seek Redemption, Aim to Avoid Another Early Exit

Rain or Shine is looking to silence the skeptics by making the most of its win-or-go-home chance against San Miguel as the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Season 50 Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals continue tonight at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The Elasto Painters can clinch a quick semis berth if they dispatch the Beermen in their 5:15 p.m. clash. However, many are wondering if they can truly capitalize on their playoff advantage, given their recent postseason struggles.

In the previous Philippine Cup, Coach Yeng Guiao’s squad earned a twice-to-beat edge by finishing as the No. 2 seed, only to be swept by Meralco in the Final Eight—first falling 96-79, then 98-89 in the knockout game.

Questions linger about their ability to make a deeper run after a shaky finish to the eliminations, where they dropped three of their last five games following a strong 7-0 start.

Despite this, they still secured the third seed with a 9-3 record, though they now face a formidable Beermen team that has historically thrived against twice-to-win disadvantages.

San Miguel comes in with momentum, winning their final three elimination games to finish 7-5. Coach Leo Austria is pleased with their form, noting that the team has found its rhythm after a slow start.

“We don’t want to enter the quarterfinals on a losing note,” Austria said after a 116-104 victory over Phoenix on May 9. “I’ve emphasized respecting the game and staying consistent in our winning attitude.”

As a result, Bennie Boatwright and the Beermen are favorites, with TigerScore setting them at -6.5 points and an over/under of 224.0.

Wagers can be placed here

Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra aims to extend its winning streak against Phoenix at 7:30 p.m., leveraging its twice-to-beat advantage. TigerScore has the Kings favored by -7.0 points, reflecting their near-perfect form heading into the quarters after winning six of their last seven elimination games. The over/under is currently 200.5.

This stretch included a 109-96 win over the Fuel Masters, who were temporarily reinforced by James Dickey. It marked the second victory in Ginebra’s five-game winning streak, capped off by wins over Rain or Shine and defending champions TNT to claim the second seed with a 9-3 record.

Ginebra will seek a third straight win against a Phoenix squad that may be without star guard Ricci Rivero, who is still recovering from a hand injury.

Coach Tim Cone acknowledges the challenge ahead, especially with Johnathan Williams back in Phoenix’s lineup—Williams helped the Fuel Masters defeat Ginebra, 82-77, back on December 9, 2023.

“They’ve been strong all conference. We know we have our work cut out for us, but right now we’re just focused on playing one game,” Cone said.