Andrei Caracut was often viewed as another reliable piece in Rain or Shine Elasto Painters’ deep rotation.
Against San Miguel Beermen, he became the closer.
With Rain or Shine trying to protect its lead against the defending Philippine Cup champions in a pressure-packed quarterfinal showdown, it was Caracut who stepped forward and delivered the shots that finally broke the Beermen’s resistance.
The former La Salle standout exploded for 29 points built around six three-pointers and a rare four-point play, powering the Elasto Painters to a statement 113-104 victory at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
More importantly, the win finally pushed Rain or Shine back into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals after falling short in the previous Philippine Cup.
And when San Miguel began threatening another trademark comeback after erasing much of a 12-point deficit, Caracut answered every challenge.
The 28-year-old poured in 12 points in the fourth quarter alone, repeatedly halting the Beermen’s momentum and restoring control whenever the game started tilting dangerously close.
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BUFFED UP DREI
Andrei Caracut bags home the PBA Press Corps’ Player of the Week for May 13 to 16 following his breakout game in the quarterfinals against the San Miguel Beermen after hitting 29 points, six rebounds, and five assists to enter the semifinals. #PBA50 #PBA50LID pic.twitter.com/FIjS0qF75O
— One Sports (@OneSportsPHL) May 19, 2026
That performance ultimately earned Caracut the unanimous selection as the PBA Press Corps Player of the Week for May 13 to 16.
He edged out fellow semifinal heroes including RR Pogoy and Calvin Oftana of TNT Tropang 5G, as well as Chris Newsome of Meralco Bolts.
But for Caracut, the outburst was less about individual brilliance and more about matching the effort of the teammates around him.
“Inspired lang ako kasi syempre yung nagtatrabaho yung mga teammates ko, nakikita ko sila kung paano sila magtrabaho. Nakaka-inspire na ipanalo ‘yung game,” Caracut said.
The timing of his breakout could not have been bigger for Rain or Shine.
For much of the conference, the Elasto Painters built their identity around depth, pace, and collective effort rather than relying on a single star. Against a powerhouse like San Miguel, however, they needed someone willing to take over late.
Caracut answered that call — and in the process, delivered one of the biggest playoff performances of his career.
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