‘Death-defying’ Clarito nets 20-20 as Rain or Shine drags NLEX to sudden death

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Jhonard Clarito puts Rain or Shine on his back with a dominant fourth quarter as the Elasto Painters force a do-or-die clash with twice-to-beat NLEX

MANILA, Philippines – Jhonard Clarito turned in arguably the finest performance of his PBA career to help Rain or Shine extend its season.

Clarito scored 20 points and hauled a career-high 21 rebounds as the Elasto Painters stayed alive in the quarterfinals of the Philippine Cup, dragging twice-to-beat NLEX to a sudden death after a 92-89 win at the PhilSports Arena on Wednesday, June 18.

Taking charge when the going got tough for No. 7 Rain or Shine, Clarito tallied 14 points and 13 rebounds in the final frame alone on the way to becoming the first Elasto Painters local to record a 20-20 game, according to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon. 

It was such a dominant quarter for Clarito that he outrebounded the entire Road Warriors, 13-12, and nearly matched their scoring output, 14-16, in the period. 

“We saw the effort of Jhonard, it was really death defying,” said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao of Clarito in Filipino. 

“This is what we like. This is where you get your toughness. And we showed toughness today.” 

NLEX erased a 16-point deficit and trailed 89-90 with under two minutes left after a Robert Bolick four-pointer, but the Elasto Painters held on thanks to key plays by Clarito.

Clarito grabbed his 20th rebound off a Bolick miss with 10 seconds remaining then calmly sank a pair of free throws that determined the final tally. 

Bolick misfired on his game-winning four-point shot, with Clarito again cleaning up the board to seal the win. 

Adrian Nocum also starred for Rain or Shine with 20 points to go with 5 rebounds and 2 steals, while Leonard Santillan put up 16 points and 7 rebounds. 

The Elasto Painters, who seek to reach the semifinals for the fourth straight conference, also got 10 points from Andrei Caracut.

“Luck will come to you when you work hard for it, which we did today,” said Guiao. 

Clarito gave Rain or Shine its biggest lead at 36-20 midway through the second quarter before the Road Warriors stormed back behind Xyrus Torres, who scattered 14 of his team-high 20 points in the third period to propel NLEX to a 73-69 advantage. 

Four straight Kevin Alas points to start the fourth quarter stretched that lead to 8 points, but the Road Warriors fizzled out as Torres went scoreless in the period. 

Javee Mocon supplied 16 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists in the loss, while Bolick struggled offensively, netting 15 points on 5-of-20 shooting to go with 5 rebounds and 3 assists. 

NLEX and Rain or Shine meet again for the do-or-die game on Saturday, June 21, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. 

The Scores

Rain or Shine 92 – Clarito 20, Nocum 20, Santillan 16, Caracut 10, Mamuyac 7, Tiongson 6, Asistio 5, Porter 4, Norwood 4, Datu 0.

NLEX 89 – Torres 20, Mocon 16, Bolick 15, Ramirez 11, Semerad 9, Bahio 6, Alas 6, Nieto 2, Fajardo 2, Policarpio 2.

Quarters: 28-15, 47-37, 69-73, 92-89.

– Rappler.com