THE race for a top four finish and the prized twice-to-beat incentive in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup heats up as the San Miguel Beermen and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters collide in Cagayan de Oro City on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
The two protagonists will battle at 7:30 p.m. at the Cagayan de Oro City Convention Center, both eyeing a crucial win that will bring them closer to the coveted top four and the postseason edge that comes with it.
At this stage of the eliminations, eight wins is the benchmark to secure a top four slot, both teams remain two wins shy. San Miguel, currently at 6-2 (win-loss) slate, holds a slight advantage over Rain or Shine, which holds a 6-3 card.
“We’re still trying to make the top four, at pagsisikapan namin ito,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.
The Elasto Painters still face back-to-back tests against San Miguel and perennial contender Barangay Ginebra to close their elimination campaign.
Complicating matters for Rain or Shine are ongoing health setbacks, including a season-ending injury to Felix Lemetti and the uncertain condition of veteran big man Beau Belga. Still, Guiao has instilled a resilient mentality in his squad, which heads into Saturday’s contest riding back-to-back victories over Phoenix (109-99) and Terrafirma (94-85).
San Miguel, meanwhile, has regained form after early hiccups against Magnolia and TNT. The Beermen have ripped off three straight wins and are coming off a 115-78 dismantling of Blackwater despite fielding only 10 players.
“The players are ready. As I’ve said before, every player naman can be a starter in our team,” said San Miguel head coach Leo Austria. / RSC