PBA: Rain or Shine takes down San Miguel to regain Group B lead

Andrei Caracut leads Rain or Shine Elasto Painters past San Miguel Beermen in the PBA Governors’ Cup. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–Rain or Shine got back at San Miguel Beer, though not in the same fashion as in their thrilling first round meeting, after putting together a 122-112 win Thursday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Six players scored in double figures as the Elasto Painters took command in the second half to produce a vengeful win over the Beermen and regain solo lead in Group B with a 7-2 win-loss record.

It was a remarkable result for Rain or Shine, despite labeling itself the underdog following San Miguel’s 49-point rout of Barangay Ginebra over the weekend.

READ: PBA: Yeng Guiao sees Rain or Shine finest start as very temporary

The Elasto Painters also turned the tables on the Beermen after losing 113-112 in their initial contest which ended when June Mar Fajardo scored a buzzer-beating jumper.

It was also Rain or Shine’s first victory over San Miguel after 11 matches, or since the 2021 Philippine Cup bubble in Bacolor, Pampanga.

With the win, Rain or Shine needs one more to get the top spot in Group B, which it can pull off Monday against Blackwater.

READ: PBA: Yeng Guiao likes what he sees in Rain or Shine’s 3-0 start

San Miguel dropped to a tie with Ginebra for second at 6-3, but holds the tiebreaker over the latter due to a superior point differential.

Andrei Caracut had 20 points and eight assists, import Aaron Fuller put up 17 points, 11 rebounds, four assists and two blocks while Best Player of the Game Beau Belga added 16 points, four rebounds and five assists for Rain or Shine.

CJ Perez finished with 27 points before fouling out even as Terrence Romeo tallied 24 for San Miguel.