Jhonard Clarito's Heroic 20-20 Performance Propels Rain or Shine to Force Playoff Decider Against NLEX
Source: news.source.manilatimes
Jhonard Clarito, a 6-foot-2 wingman for Rain or Shine, delivered a historic 20-20 performance, scoring 20 points and grabbing 21 rebounds, to lead his team to a crucial 92-89 victory over NLEX in the PBA Philippine Cup. This win forces a sudden-death game for a semifinals spot, to be played at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. Clarito's effort in the fourth quarter was pivotal, as Rain or Shine overcame an eight-point deficit to stay alive in the playoffs.
Key Points
Jhonard Clarito's 20-20 performance (20 points, 21 rebounds) was crucial in Rain or Shine's 92-89 win over NLEX.
The game forced a sudden-death match for a semifinals spot in the PBA Philippine Cup.
Rain or Shine, the seventh seed, overcame a win-or-go-home situation against the second-seeded NLEX.
Clarito became the first Rain or Shine player to achieve a 20-20 game and the shortest player to do so since Willy Wilson in the 2015-16 season.
Rain or Shine led by 16 points early but NLEX fought back, taking an eight-point lead before Clarito's fourth-quarter heroics.
Adrian Nocum and Leonard Santillan also contributed significantly to Rain or Shine's effort.
