IF there was an instance that showed the inexperience of Rain or Shine, it was in the final offensive play of Game One of the PBA 48th Season Philippine Cup.
With the Elasto Painters down by three and 11.7 seconds to work with in Game One, Rain or Shine failed to come up with a decent shot as Andrei Caracut ended up taking a hurried three-pointer from way, way out.
San Miguel ended up winning, 101-98, for a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
READ SMB stands its ground against tenacious Rain or Shine in Game One
“Para kay Jhonard talaga ‘yun,” said Caracut of the final play, referring to the primary option for the play in Jhonard Clarito, who has been putting up excellent performances for Rain or Shine this conference.
“Kanina, medyo napa-aga si Jhonard pagpunta sa corner kaya hindi niya nagamit ‘yung screen. ‘Yun talaga ‘yung play, para kay Jhonard. Talagang nakita ko rin si Beau [Belga] kahit alam ko na bukas ko. Sayang lang ‘yung tira ko,” said Caracut.
Rain or Shine coach Yeng Guiao confirmed that the final play was for Clarito, who ended up with 13 points but went 0-of-4 from afar.
“Actually, hindi si Andrei dapat ‘yun. We tried to use him as a decoy. We tried to set up Jhonard. Pero nagmadali si Jhonard eh. Hindi niya na-complete ‘yung play. Nag-shortcut siya tapos naguluhan ‘yung mga kasama niya,” said Guiao.
But Guiao said no one is to blame for the botched final play, as it only showed that his team remains a work in progress against a powerhouse team in San Miguel.
“Anyway, ganun talaga. We discussed it in the huddle just so they learn something from that. Sabi ko sa kanila, kapag may napag-usapan tayong play, sundin n'yo muna. Kapag hindi umubra, sinunod niyo, then we can ad-lib. Pero ang nangyari, inuna niya ‘yung ad-lib sa pagsunod at pag-execute sa play,” said Guiao.
“But again, bata naman itong mga ‘to at ngayon lang nakarating sa ganyang sitwasyon ‘yung mga ‘yun. Si Jhonard ang naka-set up. We were thinking na masama 0-of-4 siya sa three points (Clarito), si Andrei naman 1-of-7.”
“Si Beau naman maganda ganda ang shooting niya pero mabagal naman mag-release si Beau. In a situation like that, Beau might not get open kasi hindi siya ganun kabilis mag-release ng bola,” said Guiao.
'We took our chances'
“We took our chances but it is still okay. Hindi naman lahat masasakto ‘yung execution,” said Guiao.
Aside from missing that three-pointer, Caracut also rued his struggles in the game where he had nine points but shot 3-of-11 from the field.
“Malaking bagay sa amin na nakadikit kami pero ang dami naming lapses at free throws na namintis lalo ako, tatlo,” said Caracut.
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