RAIN or Shine coach Yeng Guiao said Jhonard Clarito’s effort on Wednesday was a reflection of how the Elasto Painters played and should play for the rest of the PBA 49th Season Philippine Cup playoffs.
Clarito rose to the occasion with the Elasto Painters’ back against the wall, scoring 20 points and pulling down 21 rebounds in a 92-89 win over NLEX that forced a knockout game for a semifinal berth on Saturday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
READ Clarito's 20-21 game against NLEX saves Rain or Shine season
“Si Jhonard, kita natin ‘yung effort niya. Buwis buhay talaga eh,” said Guiao, adding it wasn't only Clarito who displayed the all-out effort required to extend their season.
“Any coach would appreciate the effort they put up, not just him but the rest of the guys. Na-withstand namin ‘yung torrid shooting nila. Ayaw mag-mintis kanina ‘yung mga tira nila. Mabuti na lang na-survive namin. That’s the way they play.
“At least, buhay pa kami, na-extend namin until Saturday,” Guiao added. “Gusto namin ‘yung posisyon namin ngayon. One game away, even [playing] field, great battle, this is what you like. This is where you get your toughness. And we showed toughness today.”
Clarito said it became apparent that Rain or Shine will have to dig deep with their three-point shots [0-for-5] not falling in the fourth quarter.
“For me, sabi lang ni coach sa amin kasi ‘yung three points namin sobrang baba eh. Kaya dinaan lang namin sa sipag, sa boxout, sa rebound, tska nagtulung-tulong din mga teammates ko.
"Sabi rin ni coach, walang matatalo sa depensa. Kailangan buwis buhay talaga,” said Clarito, who once had an 18-rebound game in the MPBL.
Guiao said they need the same level of intensity come Saturday against NLEX.
“Isang panalo na lang, isang laro na lang, buwis buhay uli tayo, semifinals uli tayo. ‘Yun ang perspective namin,” said Guiao.
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