Magnolia def Rain or Shine, 129-100 [PBA S49 Govs’ Cup QF Game 4 | Oct. 1, 2024]

Rain or Shine’s indomitable spirit—epitomized by import Aaron Fuller, who is valiantly pushing through a scratched cornea—has positioned the Elasto Painters firmly in contention for a coveted spot in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals.

As they prepare for a fierce showdown against quarterfinal rivals Magnolia in Tuesday’s potential clincher, Game 4 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, Fuller and his resilient local teammates will need to summon their “warrior” mentality once again as they aim for the decisive victory in this grueling best-of-five quarterfinal series.

Coach Yeng Guiao’s youthful squad showcased remarkable fortitude in their thrilling 111-106 overtime triumph during Game 3 on Sunday in Antipolo City. They bounced back from a staggering 52-point defeat in the previous match, overcoming Fuller’s injury and engaging in a turbulent endgame battle with the Hotshots, which secured them a crucial 2-1 lead.

“Natutuwa ako na we were able to hold our emotions and play through the endgame,” said Guiao.

“Beteranong-beterano na itong Magnolia, eh. They’ve been through a lot of battles like this so para talunin mo sila sa isang dikdikang laban sa endgame, ibig sabihin medyo matibay ka na rin na pang-endgame. ‘Yun gusto namin, ang ma-experience namin lahat ng klaseng sitwasyon for our young team to develop.”

Fuller, who suffered an eye injury from a poke by Ian Sangalang in the first quarter of Game 2, emerged as an unexpected source of inspiration when he made a triumphant return in the Game 3 tiebreaker. He delivered a stellar performance, contributing 29 points, 11 rebounds, and three assists, with a standout nine-point stretch that included key plays in the extended period.

Guiao and his squad are now focused on executing their closeout strategy against the beleaguered Hotshots at 5 p.m.