Rain or Shine’s Jhonard Clarito vs San Miguel’s Rodney Brondial. –PBA IMAGES
Rain or Shine averted a meltdown in the waning moments to escape past San Miguel Beer, 100-98, and keep its unblemished run in the PBA On Tour on Wednesday at Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City.
The Elasto Painters got their third win in as many games, but not after surviving the Beermen’s late comeback try from a 10-point deficit with 1:39 to go.
San Miguel scored eight in a row to narrow the gap to two, but Rain or Shine veteran Gabe Norwood came through by blocking Terrence Romeo’s layup attempt that would have tied the game.
Allyn Bulanadi had a chance to win it for the Beermen with 0.6 seconds after two missed free throws by Anton Asistio, only to muff an open three from the corner as time expired.
Jhonard Clarito had 17 points after making eight of 11 shots in 25 minutes to lead Rain or Shine’s latest triumph.
Mac Belo finally made his Rain or Shine debut, posting five points, four rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes off the bench.
Bulanadi finished with 31 points on 13 of 29 shots with five assists for San Miguel, which lost for the second time in four games. Romeo continued his strong offensive play in the exhibition series with 25.
Rain or Shine led by as much as 24, and appeared to have the game in the bag when Asistio’s three made it 100-90, 1:39 to go.
The scores:
RAIN OR SHINE 100—Clarito 17, Mamuyac 14, Santillan 12, Ponferada 11, Asistio 9, lldefonso 8, Demusis 8, Nambatac 7, Belo 5, Caracut 4, Norwood 0.
SAN MIGUEL 98—Bulanadi 31, Romeo 25, Tautuaa 14, Brondial 9, Lee 6, De Vera 5, Saldua 4, Apacible 2, Baclao 2, Faundo 0.
Quarters: 33-23, 60-40, 79-70, 100-98.