Andrei Caracut came out blazing in Game 3 of the PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup semifinals, draining five straight three-pointers to the delight of the 13,524 fans — including PVL star Bella Belen — at the Mall of Asia Arena on Sunday, May 24.

The fifth-year guard missed just two of his first seven attempts from beyond the arc as the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters built a 13-point cushion, but Caracut went scoreless the rest of the way as the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings rallied for a 103-98 victory.

“Kailangan na bumawi ulit,” said the former De La Salle University standout, who finished with 15 points on 5-of-12 shooting from the field.

Caracut acknowledged how the firepower of Scottie Thompson, Justin Brownlee and RJ Abarrientos fueled Ginebra’s comeback, while Rain or Shine’s turnovers further hurt their chances in Game 3.

“Alam naming may mabibigat na scorers talaga sila, kaya nakakahabol sila,” said Caracut, as they committed 20 errors which Ginebra turned into 15 fastbreak points.

“Tinakbuhan nga rin kami dahil sa turnovers.”

But despite falling into a 2-1 hole in the best-of-seven clash, Caracut remains optimistic about both his game and the Elasto Painters’ ability to bounce back in Game 4.

“Tuloy pa rin, kumpyansa pa rin,” said Caracut. “Hindi pa naman tapos, kailangan lang talagang bumawi. Hindi mawawala yung kumpyansa.”

Caracut also understands the importance of the next match, which could heavily shape the direction of the series, but he believes mental and emotional preparation will be just as crucial as making physical and tactical adjustments.

“Crucial na game ‘yun, pero sa ngayon pahinga muna,” he said. (ABS-CBN News)