Clarito’s Historic 20-20 Game Lifts Elasto Painters
Rain or Shine Elasto Painters kept their PBA Philippine Cup hopes alive with a thrilling 92-89 comeback victory over the second-seeded NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena. Spearheading the win was forward Jhonard Clarito, who delivered a career-defining performance with 20 points and 21 rebounds, including a remarkable 14 points and 13 boards in the fourth quarter alone.
Clarito’s dominance down the stretch helped Rain or Shine rally from a 69-77 deficit, flipping the script with a powerful 21-8 run that gave them a 90-85 advantage with under two minutes left. His relentless effort on both ends marked a milestone, making him Rain or Shine’s first local player to register a 20-20 game, and the shortest PBA player to do so since Calvin Abueva’s 2014-15 feat.
Final Seconds Filled with Drama
Despite Robert Bolick’s shooting woes throughout the match, he managed to nail a crucial four-point play that brought NLEX within a hair’s breadth at 89-90. However, his next drive missed, and Clarito coolly sank two free throws with 10.5 seconds remaining, securing the final three-point margin. Bolick ended the game with 15 points on a rough 5-of-20 shooting clip, underlining a night where execution in crunch time made all the difference.
Team Resilience and Coaching Wisdom
Head coach Yeng Guiao, a seasoned tactician known for instilling grit and determination, praised his team’s mental toughness. “Basketball is a game of runs,” Guiao emphasized. “We just stayed patient… sheer hard work, sheer effort.” Rain or Shine initially built a 16-point cushion in the second quarter, only to see it erased by NLEX’s explosive 36-22 third-quarter surge.
Still, Guiao remained unfazed. “This is what we like. One game away, even field. Great battle,” he said, pointing to the upcoming knockout match on Saturday that will determine who advances to face the winner between Magnolia and TNT.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Clarito rightfully earned the spotlight, he wasn’t alone in Rain or Shine’s gritty effort. Adrian Nocum contributed 20 points, including a key follow-up basket that made it 90-85. Santi Santillan also played a solid supporting role, tallying 16 points and 7 rebounds.
Clarito credited his teammates and hustle for the comeback, noting the team’s poor three-point shooting forced them to double down on defense and rebounding. “We relied on effort, boxing out, and helping each other,” said the 29-year-old.
NLEX’s Missed Opportunity
On the other end, Xyrus Torres carried the offensive load for NLEX with 20 points, 14 of which came in a fiery third quarter that momentarily shifted the momentum. Javee Mocon had a commendable outing with a 16-point, 11-rebound double-double. However, NLEX failed to sustain their pace in the final quarter, squandering their twice-to-beat advantage and now facing elimination in a do-or-die showdown.
Looking Ahead
With the series now tied 1-1, Rain or Shine and NLEX head into a high-stakes Saturday battle, both teams fully aware that only one will survive to move closer to the Philippine Cup title. For Rain or Shine, it’s a triumph built on hustle, belief, and a breakout performance from an unsung hero. For NLEX, it’s a wake-up call and a test of character under pressure.
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
