Rain or Shine’s Jhonard Clarito during a PBA Governors’ Cup game against NLEX. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Rain or Shine came back from a 21-point first half deficit before blowing past NLEX, 124-105, Wednesday to gain the solo lead unbeaten in Group B of the PBA Governors’ Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Jhonard Clarito made all of his nine baskets on the way to 24 points, on top of three rebounds, four assists and five steals as the activity on both ends of last season’s Most Improved Player paved the way for the Elasto Painters to go 3-0 in the season-opening conference.
Gian Mamuyac had 22 points and six assists while import Aaron Fuller produced 21 points and 20 rebounds for Rain or Shine, which won despite falling behind 45-24 in the second quarter.
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Coach Yeng Guiao’s team would score 18 unanswered points after that scoreline that allowed the Elasto Painters to eventually go into halftime up 58-54, and never looked back.
The Elasto Painters are 3-0 for the first time since the 2021 Philippine Cup, but will have little time to savor the win when they return to the same venue Friday to face the winless Phoenix Fuel Masters.
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Robert Bolick scored 22 points and import Myke Henry had 21 points, six rebounds and four assists but NLEX fell to a tie with San Miguel Beer for second in the group at 2-1.
Not even five four-pointers, two apiece from Michael Miranda and Richie Rodger, could help NLEX in its bid to recover in the second half as Rain or Shine was efficient on both ends, with Clarito leading the charge.
Point guard Andrei Caracut tallied 17 points, four rebounds and seven assists even as rookies Caelan Tiongson and Felix Lemetti added 10 and nine points, respectively.