PBA: Rain or Shine continues resurgence with win over Terrafirma

Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao and Jhonard Clarito.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Coach Yeng Guiao saw the presence of Jhonard Clarito at the podium for the postgame press conference as evident of how almost everyone has been key in Rain or Shine’s winning streak that was extended Saturday.

“Having different player is the Best Player of the Game honor just means that the contributions are spread out,” Guiao said after the Elasto Painters’ 116-105 win over the Terrafirma Dyip in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

The victory at Smart Araneta Coliseum gave not only Rain or Shine a positive feeling going into the holiday break, but also a strong chance of sneaking a quarterfinals berth.

It was the fourth straight victory for the Elasto Painters after a 0-5 start, the early-tournament skid seemed like ages ago.

Rain or Shine returns in January with matches against TNT and Converge and sweeping both likely assure a place inside the top eight. One defeat may create some complications.

“We just want to preserve our gains,” said Guiao. “We just have to continue playing team ball.”

Rain or Shine big man Beau Belga.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Clarito had 16 points, five rebounds, three assists and two steals for Rain or Shine, a performance that perhaps highlighted the scrappy play of the second-year forward. He was one of five locals in double figures with Beau Belga scoring 18 before twisting his ankle.

The others were Santi Santillan (16), Andrei Caracut (13) and rookie Keith Datu (12), who also had 11 rebounds and two blocks.

The Elasto Painters are also winning despite import Demetrius Treadwell only posting 16 points which is fine for Guiao since he also grabbed 19 rebounds.

“We were lucky that he scored 30 against Magnolia. But I think it may not happen again,” said Guiao, referring to Treadwell’s scoring output in handing the league-leading Hotshots their first defeat. “But the rebounding is what were looking for him.”

Terrafirma was handed a sixth straight and continued to fall into the standings at 2-7. The Dyip have not won since last month against the NLEX Road Warriors.

That also put in danger Terrafirma’s bid to make the playoffs for the first time since the 2016 Governors’ Cup.

Rain or Shine was only up 87-85 entering the fourth before taking control behind Belga, Treadwell and Clarito.