MANILA, Philippines – Rain or Shine lost 111-106 against a resolute Magnolia squad in the last quarter, blowing a double-digit lead. In spite of this loss, they were still able to grab a 2-1 lead in their 2024 PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinal series, which took place on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Due to an eye ailment, Aaron Fuller was doubtful prior to the game. However, he had an incredible effect, scoring nine of his team-high 29 points during overtime. His perseverance paid off, as he managed to keep the Elasto Painters in sight. With his outstanding defense in the dying minutes, Jhonard Clarito was instrumental in moving the squad one step closer to the semifinals.

Rain or Shine had to overcome a substantial 18-point deficit in the first half in order to win. Rain or Shine found it difficult to establish a rhythm as the Magnolia Hotshots took the lead early on. Rain or Shine showed tenacity in the face of early difficulties, steadily cutting into Magnolia’s lead, especially in the second half. They forced overtime, which paid off and set the stage for a thrilling conclusion.

With this victory, Rain or Shine gets one step closer to winning the series. On Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium, they will have another chance to guarantee their spot in the semifinals. The Elasto Painters will try to maintain this momentum and win handily with Fuller and Clarito stepping up when it matters most.

The team’s ability to manage their emotions and play well in the closing minutes of the match pleased ROS coach Yeng Guiao. He admitted that Magnolia is a very skilled team that has fought in many close encounters. It is clear from the team’s victory over Magnolia in such a fiercely contested match—especially in the endgame—that they have grown resilient and can handle pressure when it matters most.

Clarito ended with eight rebounds, two assists, two steals, and eight points. With four seconds remaining, he stole the game from Paul Lee, securing the victory for the Elasto Painters. Andrei Caracut and Gian Mamuyac each finished with 15 points, while Santi Santillan recorded a double-double of 13 points and 13 rebounds.

With 18 seconds remaining in regulation, Caracut’s layup put them ahead 98-94, but Paul Lee, who drew two defenders, faked a handoff to Zav Lucero, who then used the PBA’s invention, the four-point line, to tie the score. With his options open, the former University of the Philippines forward tied the score by bringing down the long-range shot.

Mark Barroca missed a potential game-winning layup for the Hotshots, and disaster almost struck for ROS when they mishandled the inbound pass in the closing seconds.

More drama occurred in overtime when, with only 10.4 seconds remaining, a goaltend on a Lucero shot allowed the Hotshots to tie the score at 106. 

Following the play, Mamuyac was sent to the free-throw line and made just one of his two attempts after Jerrick Ahanmisi was penalized for a costly foul. Sadly, Fuller grabbed the board and forced Calvin Abueva to foul him, preventing Magnolia from securing the rebound.

The international made both of his baskets, and after Lee mishandled the ball off of Jabari Bird’s inbound pass, Magnolia missed its opportunity to tie the game. The Elasto Painters led 2-1 after Clarito continued to ice the game from the line.

Though they lost, Bird’s tremendous 31-point, 10-rebound performance and Lucero’s 24 points and nine rebounds were noteworthy efforts. Coach Yeng Guiao stressed the value of exposure to different situations for the development of their young team, citing Jhonard Clarito as a prime example of dedication, as he played with intense effort, showing “blood, sweat, and tears.” Tuesday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium is still a chance for the Elasto Painters to seal the series.