Hotshots, Elasto Painters Extend Unbeaten Streaks In PBA On Tour

**MANILA CLASICO.** Mark Barroca of the Magnolia Hotshots leads his team in scoring with 20 points to eke out a 91-80 win over Barangay Ginebra at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City. PBA IMAGES

The Magnolia Hotshots and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters continued their impressive runs in the PBA On Tour, maintaining their unbeaten records after securing victories in their respective June 11 games at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

In the Manila Clasico showdown, the Magnolia Hotshots outplayed Barangay Ginebra and emerged victorious with a 91-80 triumph.

The Hotshots’ relentless efforts on both ends of the court propelled them to a crucial victory.

Mark Barroca led the team in scoring with 20 points, while Jerrick Ahanmisi, Jio Jalalon, and Jackson Corpuz provided significant contributions with 17, 12, and 11 points, respectively.

Despite Paul Lee’s struggles throughout the game, he drained a crucial three-pointer late in the fourth quarter to seal the win for Magnolia.

James Laput’s exceptional performance of eight points and 12 rebounds added to the Hotshots’ success. Raymond Aguilar stood out for Ginebra with an impressive 22-point performance, but his efforts were not enough to secure a victory for his team, missing several key players.

Meanwhile, in another thrilling match, the shorthanded Rain or Shine Elasto Painters dominated Terrafirma with a commanding 121-95 win. Despite being short on crew, the Elasto Painters displayed great teamwork and resilience, with all 10 players on the court, contributing to the scoring sheet. Rey Nambatac led the team with 21 points, including three three-pointers, while Gian Mamuyac, Shaun Ildefonso, and Andrei Caracut each added 14 points.

The balanced attack from Rain or Shine proved too much for Terrafirma to handle. The Elasto Painters showcased their unselfishness with 29 assists and capitalized on fastbreak opportunities, scoring 28 points in transition. Despite the absence of key players, Rain or Shine’s collective effort led them to their fourth consecutive victory in the pre-season tournament.

While both Magnolia and Rain or Shine remain undefeated in the PBA On Tour, coaches Chito Victolero and Yeng Guiao downplayed the significance of their perfect records. They acknowledged that the pre-season success does not necessarily reflect the challenges they will face in the upcoming regular season.

Both coaches emphasized the importance of using this time to improve and build team chemistry. They aim to develop their players’ confidence and ensure that they are ready for the long journey ahead in Season 48 of the league.

**REY NAMBATAC** of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters sizzles with 21 points, including three-pointers to lead his squad’s 121-95 win over Terrafirma. PBA IMAGE

The impressive performances from both teams have instilled optimism, but the coaches remain cautious and focused on continuous improvement. The pre-season serves as a valuable opportunity to gain experience, learn, and fine-tune their systems.

The unbeaten runs are viewed as positive signs, but both Victolero and Guiao acknowledge that the real test lies ahead. As the PBA On Tour continues, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and intense competition as teams strive to prepare for the regular season.

As the PBA On Tour unfolds, fans can look forward to more exciting games and intense battles between these two formidable teams and the rest of the league. The pre-season serves as a platform for teams to fine-tune their strategies, build chemistry, and assess their strengths and weaknesses. While the victories provide a confidence boost, Magnolia and Rain or Shine are well aware that the measure of success will come in the regular season.