Rain or Shine booked a semifinals berth for the fourth consecutive conference after wearing down NLEX, 103-92, to win their knockout quarters match in the PBA Philippine Cup on Saturday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Santi Santillan had 24 points and nine rebounds while Jhonard Clarito once again dazzled on both ends for 13 points and 16 rebounds as the Elasto Painters beat the Road Warriors for a second straight time to arrange a semis clash once more with the TNT Tropang 5G.

HIGHLIGHTS: PBA Quarterfinals: TNT vs Magnolia, Rain or Shine vs NLEX

While Santillan and Clarito provided big numbers, Rain or Shine also got a huge lift from Mike Malonzo after posting 10 points and five rebounds.

It was his contribution on both ends in the fourth along with Santillan, Clarito, Andrei Caracut, Adrian Nocum and Caelan Tiongson which enabled Rain or Shine to pull away and deny NLEX a rare semis berth despite going into the matchup armed with a twice-to-beat advantage.

Rain or Shine Elastopainters’ Mike Malonzo during the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Instead, Rain or Shine will face TNT for a third straight semifinals, which starts Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.

The Elasto Painters have lost their two previous Final Four duels with the Tropang 5G.

Robert Bolick fired 34 points, but he couldn’t carry NLEX back when it trailed by 14 in the fourth as the team’s impressive elimination round campaign went down the drain.

NLEX placed second after the elims with an 8-3 record while Rain or Shine was seventh at 6-5.

Rain or Shine won the first meeting, 92-89, with Clarito playing the starring role in that Wednesday clash at Philsports Arena.