Rain or Shine delivered a stunning shooting masterclass Friday night, May 15, overwhelming San Miguel Beer, 113-104, behind a relentless barrage from beyond the arc to secure a coveted spot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

Andrei Caracut spearheaded the offensive explosion with a playoff career-high 29 points. He drained six triples and a crucial four-pointer that ignited a decisive 9-0 run late in the fourth quarter, transforming a tense 101-97 contest into a commanding double-digit advantage that ultimately buried the Beermen.

Coach Yeng Guiao emphasized the urgency his squad carried into the knockout clash. Knowing their twice-to-beat edge offered the perfect opportunity, Rain or Shine refused to allow San Miguel a second chance.

“We just had a good night,” Guiao said.

“We felt na this is our best chance to get to the semifinals. We earned the twice-to-beat advantage, pero alam naming pag pinarating namin ng Sunday ito malamang sa malamang hindi na namin tatalunin ang San Miguel. So this is our best chance to beat San Miguel,” he added.

Caracut ignites shooting storm

Caracut’s brilliance was matched by Caelan Tiongson, who delivered 23 points built on six three-pointers. Tiongson also anchored Rain or Shine’s defensive efforts against Bennie Boatwright, making his impact felt on both ends.

Import Jaylen Johnson added another 23 points, including four triples, while hauling down 12 rebounds in a dominant all-around performance. His steady presence helped maintain the Elasto Painters’ offensive rhythm throughout the contest.

The Elasto Painters connected on 19 three-pointers and one four-pointer overall. This marked one of their most explosive perimeter performances of the conference while neutralizing San Miguel’s usually imposing inside-out attack.

“We took care of business today. Ang ganda ng inilaro ni Andrei, Caelan on both sides, defending Boatwright and making his 3s, contributing on offense. JJ the same thing so marami actually silang nagtulong-tulong, the whole team,” Guiao noted.

San Miguel falls short

Despite Bennie Boatwright’s 24 points, San Miguel struggled offensively throughout the game. Boatwright shot just 10-of-27 from the field as Rain or Shine’s defense and perimeter pressure disrupted the Beermen’s usual flow.

CJ Perez contributed 19 points, while Don Trollano chipped in 14. June Mar Fajardo posted a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds, but their efforts ultimately fell short against Rain or Shine’s superior shooting.

San Miguel briefly surged in the third quarter behind a 15-0 blast to seize an 83-80 lead. However, Rain or Shine quickly answered and regained control when the pressure intensified.

When the Beermen trimmed the deficit to just two late in the fourth, Jhonard Clarito’s free throws sparked the game-sealing run. Caracut’s dagger perimeter shots then slammed the door shut on San Miguel’s comeback hopes.

Rain or Shine now advances to the semifinals, where it awaits the winner between Barangay Ginebra and Phoenix Super LPG. Carrying significant momentum, the Elasto Painters move forward after one of their most complete performances of the season.