The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters took a step toward clinching a playoff spot again with a 120-111 win over the Converge FiberXers on Friday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena. The win, which coincided with Gabe Norwood’s jersey retirement, was Rain or Shine’s sixth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup against no losses. The loss dropped Converge to 1-5 and the bottom of the standings.
What Happened?
The two teams went at it in an explosive first quarter, with Rain or Shine ultimately taking a 31-29 lead on a Jaylen Johnson triple in the final possession. It was just as tight in the second, but the Elasto Painters did just enough to win it as well and build a 61-54 halftime lead.
At halftime, Rain or Shine and the PBA honored the inimitable Gabe Norwood with a jersey retirement ceremony.
After intermission, the Elasto Painters exploded out of the gates, outscoring the FiberXers, 13-4, in the first four minutes of the third to extend the lead to 74-58. Rain or Shine ended up on top, 95-75, after three, thanks to a late five-point cluster by Andrei Nocum.
Rain or Shine then built its largest lead, 100-77, at the 10:32 mark. Converge, though, finally found its bearing, unleashing a 30-9 run to cut that 23-point cushion down to 2 with 2:51 left. But two free throws from Caelan Tiongson and a trey from Johnson gave the Elasto Painters breathing room en route to the victory.
Who Stood Out?
Once again, Yeng Guiao got standout performances from up and down his roster, but it was Johnson who stood tallest. The affable American put up 35 points, 21 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks, and hit that booming triple down the stretch to keep Converge at bay.
Converge found plenty of heroes of its own, with Mikey Williams and Juan Gomez de Liaño among them. Williams had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists in arguably his best game since returning to the PBA, while JGDL had 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists in his return from injury.
3 Keys to the Game
- Speed and pace. Run-and-gun is Rain or Shine’s identity, and Guiao’s wards did just that, especially in the second and third quarters. Playing fast and free, the Elasto Painters plastered 64 points in those middle quarters, where they built a sizable lead.
- Jaylen Johnson, closing the show. Against the San Miguel Beermen, it was Andrei Nocum who closed the game out for Rain or Shine after the Beermen went on a sizzling run. This time, it was Johnson who rescued Rain or Shine from an epic collapse, firing 8 of his 35 in the final three minutes.
- Three-point shooting. Rain or Shine outscored Converge from the perimeter, 51-40, thanks to its prolific three-point shooting. Led by Johnson’s five treys, the Elasto Painters splashed 15 triples compared to Converge’s 10.
Next Up for the PBA
Saturday, April 11, 2026 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
- TNT Tropang 5G vs. Terrafirma Dyip (5:15 p.m.)
- Meralco Bolts vs. Macau Black Knights (7:30 p.m.)
