Talk ‘N Text collides with Rain or Shine in a battle of tournament leaders in the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at the Xavier University Gym in Cagayan de Oro.

The undermanned Tropang Texters square off with the Elasto Painters at 6:45 p.m. where at stake is the solo lead and the chance to boost their bid for the top two spots.

TNT is currently in the lead with a 7-1 mark while Rain or Shine is just half a game behind the defending champions with a 7-2 slate.

Tropang Texters head coach Chot Reyes said they are up for a stiff challenge against Rain or Shine mainly because of lack of personnel.

Petron Blaze had just enough cushion before Rain or Shine made its move to hang on for a 90-80 win in the 2011-12 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday night at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

The Boosters erected leads of 27 points twice in the third period, then survived the mini-run of the Elasto Painters in the final quarter to notch their third straight win for the solo third spot with a 6-3 win-loss mark.

Arwind Santos posted a monster game with 25 points, 13 rebounds and 3 blocks while rookie Chris Lutz returned from a hamstring injury and contributed 22 points.

Published on November 12, 2011

Rain or Shine coach Joseller "Yeng" Guiao knows they have all the reasons to be happy as the Elasto Painters have bucked the odds and are on top of the PBA Philippine Cup standings right now. 

However, Guiao emphasized that everything, including their current pride and joy, is just temporary. "We're happy we're on top of the standings but we're aware we're in a fragile situation because once we relax and we lose one or two games, we'll crumble," said Guiao. 

"Our attitude is cautious optimism. "We have the confidence now but we can't be too complacent because the moment we do, there's a chance we might start relaxing and commit errors," he added.

MICO HALILI, GMA News

If you haven't noticed Rain or Shine's rise to the top, I understand. Baka busy kayo. Maybe it's a hectic month at work. Or there are too many projects to finish in school. We're distracted by other events in the PBA too. Ali Peek was shot. Mark Caguioa expressed disappointment. Ryan Reyes was injured. While we're busy analyzing Pepeng Agimat's incredible family tree, Rain or Shine, unnoticeably and unexpectedly, is busy crushing opponents and winning games. 

Rain or Shine is alone, on top of the team standings, with seven wins and just one loss. The Elasto Painters have won five straight games. Their average winning margin in the last four games: close to 30 points! They beat Alaska by 36. They walloped Meralco by 44 by making 22 out of 32 three-point shots. These are gaudy numbers; enough to make opponents shudder. 

Rain or Shine reclaimed the solo lead with a masterful 93-81 win over Barako Bull in the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup Friday night at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

Ronjay Buenafe unloaded 12 of his 16 points in the fourth period while rookie Paul Lee provided stability for the Elasto Painters, who extended their winning streak to five games for a league-leading 7-1 win-loss mark.

Lee topscored Rain or Shine with 17 points and together with Buenafe and Jireh Ibanez helped their team sustain the big lead as the Energy lost steam in their attempt to stage a rally.

“We came into this game prepared because we respect Barako Bull. We knew it would be a difficult game,” said Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao.

“Our game plan was to play team defense. Buti na lang na-sustain namin,” he added.

Published on November 11, 2011

Rain or Shine pounced on the fourth quarter ejection of Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi as it repulsed repeated rallies to hack out a 93-81 victory that snared it the solo lead in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City Friday. 

Paul Lee came through with a solid all-around performance with 17 points, seven rebounds, four assists and a steal as the Elasto Painters zoomed to the top with a 7-1 (win-loss) record while leaving behind the Talk N' Text Tropang Texters, their erstwhile co-leader now on second place on a 6-1 card. 

Published on November 4, 2011

Rain or Shine recorded their third consecutive blowout on Friday with head coach Yeng Guiao comfortably watching the game on television at the press room. 

 The fiery coach of the Elasto Painters was ejected from the game after picking up two “Ts” in the first half. Not even his absence though could slow down the league leaders, who demolished Shopinas.com, 96-75.

 It was their fourth straight and sixth overall in seven starts in the PBA Philippine Cup. Their only loss (98-107) came at the hands of defending champion Talk ‘N Text last Oct. 14.