Andrei Caracut of the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters had been struggling all conference. In fact, early on, he had lost his starting spot to the now injured Felix Lemetti. But, on Friday, he more than made up for it with arguably his best game as a pro.
Caracut tallied 29 points on six triples and one four-pointer to help the Elasto Painters beat the San Miguel Beermen, 113-104, and advance to the semifinals of the PBA Commissioners’ Cup. He added 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Then, after the game, he dedicated his performance to his teammates and a special friend, of course.
“Inspired lang ako kase siyempre ‘yung nagtatrabaho yung mga teammates ko, nakikita ko kung paano sila magtrabaho. Nakaka-inspire ipanalo ‘yung game,” Caracut said.
“Saka ‘yung mga girlfriend ng mga teammates ko, nagsusuporta kaya nakakataba ng puso,” he added, smiling.
Caracut, of course, got some much-needed support from his own lady friend in PVL superstar Bella Belen.
“Kaka-draft lang after nung finals ng volleyball, first draft pick. Kinabahan ako baka palitan ako as a point guard,” Caracut said when asked about the reigning PVL Rookie of the Year’s presence at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Caracut Leads Breakthrough
With Caracut leading the way, Rain or Shine did what it hasn’t been able to do since 2016: beat San Miguel in the playoffs. Incidentally, the Elasto Painters also beat the Beermen in the Commissioner’s Cup 10 years ago before eventually winning it all to deliver the franchise’s second title. It was a momentous win, indeed, and while happy about it, Caracut also understands that there’s work still do be done.
“Siyempre masaya, matagal-tagal na ‘di namin natalo SMB sa ganitong series and kailangan pang magtrabaho para sa semifinals kase alam namin na hindi magiging madali,” said the former UAAP Season 79 champion.
Caracut is right. Things are not going to be just as hard in the next round. After the Beermen, standing in Rain or Shine’s way is Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, who booked its semis ticket with a 112-81 dismantling of the Phoenix Fuel Masters, also on Friday.
But if the former Green Archer plays like he did against San Miguel, maybe Rain or Shine has a chance, after all.
