Elasto Painters ward off Dyip

MANILA, Philippines —  After going up by 18, Rain or Shine suddenly sputtered and found itself staring at a potential disaster as Terrafirma came charging late.

But with Jhonard Clarito and Andre Caracut leading the way, the Elasto Painters regrouped to escape the blushes, 94-85, in the PBA Philippine Cup last night at the PhilSports Arena.

Clarito made big defensive stops and scored five while Caracut dropped seven including a clutch triple as they anchored ROS to a fresh 94-83 cushion after the Dyip threatened to within three.

Pulling this off despite getting outplayed in the fourth quarter, 21-30, the charges of coach Yeng Guiao jacked up their record to 6-3 to stay in the hunt for the coveted Top 4 and twice-to-beat.

They’re now level with idle Barangay Ginebra (6-3) at No. 3, riding a two-game roll and momentum ahead of their big test against second-running San Miguel Beer (6-2) on Saturday in Cagayan de Oro.

The Dyip fell to their ninth straight loss against a lone win.

ROS appeared ready to blow Terrafirma away when it seized a 73-55 spread at the end of three quarters.

But the Elasto Painters’ ice-cold start in the fourth gave the Dyip an opening to rack up nine unanswered points anchored on Paolo Hernandez to cut the deficit to nine and close in further to three minutes later.

“Mahirap kasi if you give them (Terrafirma) a small window, they’re going to gain confidence. It’s really difficult playing a team that’s without pressure and just trying to give a good show,” said Guiao.

“Sabi ko nga mag-ingat tayo kasi pwedeng mangyari (Dyip comeback) and nangyari na nga. But it’s a good thing we’re able to hold them back. At the same time, we’re able to keep our guys fresh for the game on Saturday.”

Clarito shot 12 to go with five rebounds and three steals to pace ROS while Caracut rifled in 11 and the trio of Leonard Santillan, Francis Escandor and Anton Asistio chipped in 10 apiece.

Louie Sangalang bannered Terrafirma with 22 while Stanley Pringle produced an 18-11-6 statline.