PBA: Guiao says Rain or Shine simply 'showed up' in Game 1 semis battle vs. Barangay Ginebra

In front of 10, 412 fans at the Ynares Center Antipolo, Rain or Shine could have easily folded against a Barangay Ginebra team so used to thriving in the biggest moments.

The Elasto Painters, however, hardened by past heartbreaks and lessons learned from experience, did not back down. They showed up—and competed—to take down the Gin Kings in Game 1 of their PBA Commissioner's Cup semifinals series on Wednesday night.

"I'm really proud of the guys because ang ano lang namin is show up and compete," Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said.

"To play a team like Ginebra, G.O.A.T. (greatest of all time) import, G.O.A.T. coach, half of the Gilas team, the probable Best Player of the Conference in their team, so sino ba kami. Lumaban lang tayo."

Rain or Shine, which lost by 24 points to Barangay Ginebra in the elimination round with a 114-90 defeat, raced to an early 13-point lead in the first half before the Gin Kings mounted their familiar 'Never Say Die' spirit to take a 10-point cushion in the fourth, 84-74.

That tested Rain or Shine's composure and proved their ability to keep pace against one of the best teams in the league.

Import Jaylen Johnson, who scored only 16 points when they last met Barangay Ginebra on May 3, and Jhonard Clarito, who was scoreless in that game, led the charge this time around.

Johnson erupted for 40 points, including three straight three-pointers late in the fourth, and grabbed 19 rebounds, three assists, and two steals while Clarito posted 25 markers, six boards, and two dimes to lead the 115-111 win.

Guiao said they have yet to prove anything despite stealing the series opener, but stressed that the win somehow validated their belief that they can go toe-to-toe with a star-studded squad.

"Siyempre, it's really encouraging to win Game 1 against a tough team like Ginebra pero ang haba ng series," Guiao added.

"They are very talented, they are very experienced in a situation like this. Kami show up lang. This is a really good game for the fans kasi natutuwa ako na 'pag pinapanood nila ang Rain or Shine, manalo or matalo, nag-e-enjoy sila."

—JKC, GMA News