Jhonard Clarito caught fire in the fourth period to help Rain or Shine stay alive in its PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup quarterfinal faceoff with NLEX.
Jhonard Clarito did everything for Rain or Shine in the fourth period.
He was locking up his foes, cleaning up possessions, rifling in shots from the field and hitting free throws — you name it.
His resolve worked wonders as the Elasto Painters bested NLEX, 92-89, in their PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup quarterfinal match at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
“Si Jhonard, nakita natin ang effort niya. Buwis-buhay talaga,” said Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao, whose team leaned on Clarito's 14 points in the fourth period after sputtering in the third.
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Aside from his offensive explosion when it mattered, Clarito also grabbed 13 of his 21 rebounds in the final quarter to help the Elasto Painters weather a late Road Warriors storm.
They meet the twice-to-beat-armed Road Warriors anew on Saturday, June 21, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate.
Rain or Shine's Jhonard Clarito is fearless in the fourth quarter. | Photo (c) RM Chua/One Sports
For the 6-foot-2 burly guard, who was named Player of the Game, it was simply the result of the team's hard work and collective effort on the defensive end.
“'Yong sabi lang ni coach (Yeng Guiao) sa huddle namin, 'yong three points namin, sobrang baba kaya idinaan na lang namin sa sipag sa pag-box out, sa pag-rebound,” Clarito said.
“Nagtulong-tulong din ang team. Sabi nga ni coach Yeng, walang matatalo sa depensa. Kailangan, buwis-buhay talaga.”
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Helping Clarito are the trio of Adrian Nocum, Leonard Santillan and Andrei Caracut.
Nocum finished with 20 points, five rebounds, two assists and two steals, Santillan wound up with 16 markers, seven boards, an assist and a denial, while Andrei Caracut had 10 points, two assists and two steals.
Playing catch-up for the first 24 minutes of action where it went down by as many as 16 points, 20-36, No. 2 NLEX turned to Xyrus Torres who poured 14 of his team-best 20 points in the third period.
This allowed the Road Warriors to seize the upperhand, 73-69, heading into the final frame.
It turned into a tight contest from there, with Robert Bolick delivering the final threat for NLEX as he nailed a crucial four-pointer for an 89-90 count with 1:38 left to play.
But Rain or Shine clamped down on defense to secure the win.
“We’re just patient. Nagpasensysa lang kami. Basketball is a game of runs. We had our run in the first half; they had their run in the third quarter. Mabuti na lang, nakabalik kami ulit noong fourth,” said Guiao.
“Sheer hard work, sheer effort and just the desire to extend the series.”
Javee Mocon submitted 16 points, 11 rebounds and three assists, while Bolick logged 15 markers, five boards and three dimes.
Rain or Shine vs. NLEX 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.
Quarterscores: 28-15, 47-37, 69-73, 92-89.