'Laban naman': Young Rain or Shine squad optimistic despite close loss to San Miguel in semis opener

Rain or Shine was a basket or two short from taking Game 1 of its semis series against San Miguel, 101-98, but the young Elasto Painters said they still gave the Beermen a good fight on Friday in the PBA Philippine Cup.

The Elasto Painters were trailing 101-97 with 31 seconds left in the fourth quarter before a foul by June Mar Fajardo brought Andrei Caracut to the free throw line.

Caracut missed his first freebie, but managed to shoot the second, giving Rain or Shine a chance to at least tie the game and send it to overtime.

Don Trollano failed to connect from downtown after San Miguel's timeout, then Rain or Shine called for time.

After the Elasto Painters' timeout, the ball found its way to Caracut in their final play, but he missed his the shot.

"Para kay Jhonard [Clarito] talaga 'yon, pero parang napaaga siya ng punta sa corner kaya di niya nagamit. 'Yun talaga 'yung play," Caracut told reporters about their final play.

"Nakita ko si Beau [Belga] and alam ko bukas din ako. Sayang lang, in-expect ko ipapasa ni Beau pero sayang lang di pumasok."

(It was for Jhonard, but he was early in the corner so he was not able to use it. That was the play. I saw Beau and I knew I was open. I expected Beau to pass it, unfortunately it did not enter.)

While regretful, Caracut said the young squad proved they gave the Beermen a hard time — even as he admitted his own mistakes.

"Andun na eh. Malaking bagay sa'min nakadikit kami, pero ang dami naming lapses, ang dami naming free throws na mintis lalo na ako naka-tatlo ako," said Caracut, who was limited to nine points.

"Kailangan pagtrabahuhan namin pero laban naman."

For Gian Mamuyac, who top-scored Rain or Shine with 20 points, seven rebounds, and three assists, the young Elasto Painters will just improve on what they are doing as they hope to push the defending All-Filipino champions to the limit.

"Nakaka-proud kasi first semis namin as a team, mga bata, pero at the same time medyo sayang, ang daming missed free throws. Nakadikit sana kami or nakuha sana namin Game 1. Malaking bagay sana 'yung Game 1 at pahabain ang series," Mamuyac said.

(I'm still proud because in our first semis as a team, we're young, but at the same time, unfortunately, we had missed free throws. We could've gotten closer or have taken Game 1. Winning the first game is big since we can extend the series.)

Rain or Shine made 20 of its 31 free throw attempts, while San Miguel had 11 out of 19.

"Although, kung titingnan mo, lumaban naman kami. I think nahirapan naman San Miguel. Tuloy-tuloy lang kami and konting adjustments lang. hopefully makakuha kami ng panalo."

(Althoughif you will take a look at it, we fought. I think San Miguel had a hard time. We'll just continue and just adjust a little, hopefully we can get a win.)

San Miguel head coach Jorge Gallent also praised the Elasto Painters.

"Rain or Shine deserves to be in the semifinals. They are a great team, they are young. If they don't deserve to be here, then they wouldn't be here. Rain or Shine is a good team, a well-balanced team, and is well-coached," Gallent said.

Game 2 of their series will be played on Sunday.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News