Jhonard Clarito drops big 20-21 double-double as ROS drags NLEX to do-or-die QF

Jhonard Clarito dazzled on both ends to steer Rain or Shine to a gutsy 92-89 win against twice-to-beat NLEX in the PBA Season 49 Philippine Cup quarterfinals on Wednesday at the PhilSports Arena. 

Clarito provided the spark and hustle amid the Road Warriors' second half surge as they extended their life in the conference by forcing a do-or-die Game 2 on Saturday. 

The versatile guard poured in 20 points and 21 rebounds laced with one assist, one steal, and one block to allow the Elasto Painters near a semifinals seat. 

"We were just patient. Basketball is a game of runs, we had our run in the first half (and) they had their run in the third quarter. Mabuti na lang nakabalik kami nu'ng fourth quarter," Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao said.

"Just sheer hard work, sheer effort, and just the desire to extend the series. Si jhonad nakita natin effort niya, buwis buhay talaga."

Rain or Shine flexed its muscle early on, dropping seven three-pointers in the first half to create enough separation against the second-seeded NLEX, 47-37. 

But the Road Warriors got a heavy lifting from Xyrus Torres in the third quarter with the former FEU standout dropping 14 points in the frame, including a triple that gave NLEX its first lead at 61-60.

That Torres outburst was infectious among the Road Warriors bench with Jonnel Policarpio and Brandon Ramirez closing out the third period with a 73-69 lead. 

Clarito, though, came alive to provide the lifeline. 

He, alongside Santi Santillan, fueled a 10-4 run to open the fourth before completing two consecutive putback plays that sent Rain or Shine to an 86-83 cushion with 3:01 left. 

Another pair of offensive rebounds from him led to a putback basket for Adrian Nocum that saw the Elasto Painters enjoying a 90-85 lead before Robert Bolick answered with a crucial four-pointer to cut the gap to one. 

Bolick, though, missed two baskets in a row that led to another huge rebound for Clarito, who would then seal the victory with two freebies. 

That hustle pretty much summed up what Rain or Shine wanted in the first place as they refused to go home tonight. 

"Dinaan lang namin sa sipag, sa rebound tsaka nagtulong-tulong din 'yung teammates ko. Sabi ni coach walang matatalo sa depensa, kailangan buwis buhay talaga," Clarito said. 

Nocum also finished with 20 points while grabbing five rebounds, two assists, and two steals while Santillan chipped in 16 markers, seven boards, and one dime. 

Torres tallied 20 points, three rebounds, two assists, and one steal in the losing effort while Javee Mocon and Bolick chimed in with 16 and 15 markers each. 

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.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News