Denied of a clean sweep the last time out, Rain or Shine tries again today when it battles a rejuvenated Magnolia Dairy Ice Cream in Game 4 of their title series in the 2006 PBL Heroes Cup at the San Andres Gym in Manila.

Showing none of the brilliance and enthusiasm that won them Games 1 and 2, the Elasto Painters were reduced to second rate squad as the Wizards methodically dismantled them behind a well-orchestrated attack anchored on Kim Valenzuela, Arwind Santos and Kelly Williams.

The tiny but exciting Valenzuela and Santos came through with courageous performance, firing 14 points each to lead Magnolia to a rousing 80-70 win and keep their title hopes alive.

But more than that, they shattered Rain or Shine’s dream of winning the title via sweep. The Elasto Painters won their first five championships via the short route. But they needed four games to wrap up the Unity Cup title last year.

Though they are still trailing Rain or Shine 2-1 in their best-of-5 title series, Magnolia coach Koy Banal believes the momentum has shifted on their side although he admits that there are a lot of works to be done.

For one, they have to further improve the mental aspect of their game to avoid the "meltdown’ that befell them in the first two games of the series.

"That’s one thing we have to improve aside from our defense. Medyo nag-collapse kami sa first two games namin," said Banal. "Gumaganda na ang shooting ng mga bata, I just hope we could keep the momentum. They have to select their shots well."

While they were extra sharp in Game 2, the Elasto Painters shot miserably from the field which gave coach Caloy Garcia the fits.

"They played minus the fire and passion they showed in the first two games of the series. We can’t play a relaxed game against Magnolia," said Garcia. "Sana mag-click ulit ang perimeter shooting namin, otherwise mahirapan kami."

Jun Jun Cabatu was a big letdown after his sizzling performance in the first two games where he normed 20.5 points. In Game 3, he was held to just 9 points, most of them scored when Magnolia’s lead was already beyond reach.

Jojo Tangkay, the conference’s MVP, was also disappointment. He finished with only five points on a horrendous 2-of-11 shooting. Worse, his unsportsmanlike foul on Arwind Santos midway in the payoff period led to their downfall.

"Knowing Jojo, babalik yan, hindi pa siya nagpakita ngayon finals, baka sa Game 4 puputok na yan," said Garcia who is hoping that other gunners like Marvin Ortiguerra, Ronjay Enrile, Eugene Tan and Erwin Sta, Maria will step up big again.

"Kailangan total effort, we can’t win kung si Jojo o kung si Jun Jun lang ang iiskor, we have to combine everything for one common goal," said Garcia who is now on his fourth straight finals appearance.

For them to avoid going the full route, the Elasto Painters must also tighten up their defensive alignment. They were totally outmuscled in the shaded lane with the Wizards grabbing 50 rebounds against only 38 for them. They also gave up 22 points from the free throw area.

"Yong iba kasi parang wala sa sarili, nakatunganga lang. Walang puso kung maglaro," lamented team manager Boy Lapid. "Dapat bumawi sila ngayon."