Rain or Shine stays unbeaten after wiping out 21-point NLEX lead

RAIN or Shine wiped out an early 21-point deficit to wallop NLEX, 124-105, on Wednesday and remained the lone undefeated team in the PBA 49th Season Governors’ Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The Elasto Painters fell behind early, 45-24, but managed to still take a 58-54 lead at the half on their way to a 19-point victory - their third in as many games in the season-opening conference. Jhonard Clarito (188-G-1996) had 24 points to help Rain or Shine post its best start since the 2021 Philippine Cup where the team also won its first three games of the conference, according to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon. Rain or Shine fell behind, 40-24, at the end of the first nut went on an 18-0 run at one point in the second quarter to turn it around. Clarito was perfect from the field on a 9-of-9 clip while scoring nine points in the second quarter to spark the Rain or Shine the comeback. He also had three rebounds, four assists, and five steals. Gian Mamuyac (180-G-1999) added 22 points and six assists while Aaron Fuller (198-F-1989, college: USC, agency: Haylett Sports) was once again a dominant force around the paint by scoring 21 points and hauling 20 rebounds. Andrei Caracut (178-G-1996) had 17 points, four rebounds, and seven assists, while Caelan Tiongson (196-G/F-1992, college: Biola, CA) had 10 points while defending NLEX import Myke Henry (198-F-1992, college: DePaul), whose 21 points were a far cry from his 34-point scoring average entering the game. It didn’t help NLEX’s cause that Henry was in foul trouble for much of the game as the Road Warriors dropped to 2-1 in Group B. Robert Bolick (185-G-1995) had 22 points, four rebounds, and seven assists while Richie Rodger (188-G) added 16 points for NLEX.
Courtesy of: spin.ph