Rain or Shine may have failed to protect its pristine record with the heartbreaking loss against San Miguel but that couldn’t take away how pleased head coach Yeng Guiao was with the growth and maturity his young team is displaying.

As painful as the defeat to the Beermen – losing on a last-gasp jumper of June Mar Fajardo to beat the buzzer – the Elasto Painters easily shrugged it off and immediately got back into business with 122-107 victory over the Phoenix Fuel Masters on Tuesday, Sept. 10.

The last two games, despite a split of their assignments, was a good sight for Guiao especially with how his team has been playing during the crucial moments of the game.

No doubt, Rain or Shine’s performance in the conference is painting a pleasant smile to the face of the fiery mentor.

“I look at it as a good test for us. A lot of the games are going to go down to the last three or five minutes. You got to know how to handle those last five minutes,” said Guiao.

“Sa San Miguel ganoon din humabol lang kami, to me, I look at it as a good sign. You are able to catch up and make a game out of it and this game naman, we were able to put some distance between us and them in the last 3 or 4 minutes,” he pointed out.

Such level of composure in the winning moments of the game, regardless of the situation, whether the team is trailing or protecting a lead, is a sign of maturity according to Guiao.

Against Phoenix, it was very much evident when the locals kept Rain or Shine's head above the water when import Aaron Fuller was saddled with foul trouble before the team went on a blistering 19-2 run that all but broke the backs of the Fuel Masters inside the last five minutes.

“I think it’s a good time for a team that is maturing. They are making the right decisions and in the game they're executing they're making stops,” said Guiao.

“Parang gusto ko nang maniwala na contender kami pero hindi pa ako convinced masyado tingnan pa natin,” he added.

In that game, seven local players finished in double figures in a show of force -- and maturity.

Another looming big test is set for Rain or Shine though, when it takes on Barangay Ginebra on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. For Guiao, that could be a good gauge whether his wards are truly now a title contender.

“Medyo maniniwala na ako pag madalawahan namin Ginebra pero sa ngayon di pa ako masyadong kumbinsido,” he added with a smile.