MANILA -- Jhonard Clarito was the big difference in San Juan's 76-60 victory over Makati City in the 2020 Chooks-to-Go MPBL Lakan north division finals, Monday night where he nearly completed a 20-20 performance.

Clarito had 19 points and 18 rebounds to go along with 4 assists and 2 steals while leading the Knights to a 1-0 series lead against the Super Crunch.

But Clarito said he needed to step up in the absence of their veteran big man Larry Rodriguez who had to sit out after injuring his foot in Game 2 of the semifinals against Pampanga-ADG Group.

"Hindi naman mapapantayan si Kuya Larry kasi iba 'yung experience niya eh. Pero kung ano 'yung sabihin ng coaches at ni Kuya Larry sa akin, sinusunod ko kasi sila nakakakita mula sa labas eh," he said.

Clarito also admitted he needed to stay composed despite the physicality of their game with Makati.

He figured in a near clash in the third quarter after Makati's Vin Importante apparently caught him in a headlock. Importante was called for an unsportsmanlike foul while Clarito himself was whistled for a personal foul.

"Hindi talaga mawawala sa laro 'yung pisikalan kasi siyempre division finals na ito eh. Basta focus lang sa game. Kahit sikuhin ka man basta huwag lang gaganti. Hindi mo naman ikamamatay 'yung siko eh, tanggap lang nang tanggap," Clarito said.

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