There are no more unbeaten teams in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. This after the Phoenix Fuel Masters pulled the rug from under the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters with an 87-83 upset on Tuesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The win improved Phoenix’s record to 5-3, while the loss dropped Rain or Shine to 7-1.
What Happened?
What was expected to be a high-scoring joust began with a tight, defense-oriented opening frame won by Rain or Shine, 18-16. But as had been the case in previous games, the Elasto Painters began to find a rhythm in the second, where they built a 44-29 lead after outscoring the Fuel Masters, 26-13.
Rain or Shine extended its lead to 18 early in the third, but Phoenix recovered and wiped out that 53-35 advantage with a blistering 22-4 run to get within 57-53. The Fuel Masters got even closer to end the third, 64-61, after a Bryan Santos lay-in.
Phoenix finally drew even with Rain or Shine at 70 with a little over seven minutes left after a Tyler Tio trey. Another Tio triple gave the Fuel Masters their first lead since the opening frame and set the stage for a 17-9 run to move ahead, 87-79, with under three minutes remaining. Tio and company then held on for the all-important victory.
Who Stood Out?
Phoenix found plenty of heroes against Rain or Shine, with Tio and Jason Perkins leading the way. Particularly huge were Tio’s back-to-back treys in the fourth as they jumpstarted the Fuel Masters’ strong finishing kick. He finished with 16 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists. Perkins, meanwhile, was solid all game long, tallying 20 points on 7-for-12 shooting.
Rain or Shine, on the other hand, leaned on Adrian Nocum, who seemed poised to carry the Elasto Painters to a win after hitting two crucial treys in the fourth. He finished with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals in a losing effort.
3 Keys to the Game
- Poise. While the final score doesn’t show it, Rain or Shine actually made its patented run on Tuesday, going off in the second quarter to build a double-digit advantage. But the Fuel Masters kept their poise and didn’t let the Elasto Painters get too far ahead. Then, Charles Tiu’s wards stayed composed in the fourth and ultimately went on a run.
- Shooting. It’s said that basketball is make-or-miss, and on Tuesday, Rain or Shine kept missing, ultimately ending up shooting an atrocious 30.9% overall. Part of it was Phoenix playing great defense in stretches, while part of it was the Elasto Painters just missing shots they normally make, including several layups and close-range attempts.
- Execution. Phoenix’s disciplined execution proved to be a difference maker as the Fuel Masters absolutely carved up Rain or Shine’s defense. That was most evident in the second half, where Phoenix poured in 58 big points.
Next Up for the PBA
Wednesday, April 22, 2026 | Ninoy Aquino Stadium
San Miguel Beermen vs. Blackwater Bossing (5:15 p.m.)
TNT Tropang 5G vs. Converge FiberXers (7:30 p.m.)
