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Rain or Shine arranges a semifinal clash with TNT for the third consecutive conference after shocking second-seeded NLEX behind a collective effort led by Santi Santillan, Andrei Caracut, and Jhonard Clarito
MANILA, Philippines – Even with the odds stacked against it, Rain or Shine still preserved its streak of semifinal appearances.
The Elasto Painters reached the final four for the fourth straight conference after overcoming a twice-to-win disadvantage against second-seeded NLEX, earning a 103-92 win in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Saturday, June 21.
Santi Santillan showed the way with 24 points, 9 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 2 steals as No. 7 Rain or Shine arranged another semifinal clash with Grand Slam-seeking TNT, a team that also staved off elimination despite facing a twice-to-win handicap.
It will be the third semifinal battle between the Elasto Painters and the Tropang 5G, with TNT eliminating Rain or Shine in the first two conferences on the way to the championships.
“We’re just gatecrashers here. There are bigger companies with more resources, but we’re here,” said Elasto Painters head coach Yeng Guiao in Filipino.
Rain or Shine also drew prolific performances from Andrei Caracut and Jhonard Clarito as the Elasto Painters erased a 14-point deficit to shock the Road Warriors.
Caracut fired 16 points, including a booming three-pointer at the end of the third period that gave Rain or Shine the lead for good at 78-77 and ignited their fourth-quarter breakaway.
After that Caracut trey, the Elasto Painters went on an 18-5 run in the final frame to mount a commanding 96-82 lead, effectively taking the fight out of a stunned NLEX side that struggled to find star guard Robert Bolick sufficient help.
Clarito finished with 13 points and 16 rebounds — a superb follow-up performance to his 20-point, 21-rebound outing in their 92-89 win in Game 1 on Wednesday, June 18.
Bolick unloaded a game-high 34 points with 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals, but his efforts once again went for naught as the Road Warriors ended their season on a three-game slide.
JB Bahio and Brandon Ramirez were the only other NLEX players in double-figure scoring with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
The Scores
Rain or Shine 103 – Santillan 24, Caracut 16, Clarito 13, Asistio 11, Malonzo 10, Mamuyac 9, Tiongson 8, Nocum 5, Norwood 4, Porter 3, Datu 0.
NLEX 92 – Bolick 34, Bahio 11, Ramirez 10, Mocon 9, Fajardo 7, Semerad 6, Policarpio 5, Torres 4, Nieto 2, Alas 2, Valdez 2.
Quarters: 21-27, 52-55, 78-77, 103-92.
– Rappler.com
