Seldom-used Caperal stars in Ginebra loss

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

Prince Caperal is sticking to the positives despite Ginebra’s meltdown late in Game 2 of the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup semifinals.

“I’m still happy that I was able to contribute to the team,” he said in Filipino.

The former Arellano big man had a career night on Sunday, pouring in a personal-high 26 points and eight rebounds, but his stellar night did not end up the way he envisioned it to be as the Gin Kings fell to the Beermen in overtime, 104-102.

.@barangayginebra’s @PrinceCaperal_ talks about his career game in this Game 2 loss. #PBA2018 pic.twitter.com/vyaE5ls5lD

— Randolph B. Leongson (@RLeongsonINQ) March 11, 2018

Still, Caperal was glad to play his best game to date especially that he was able to shine even when the lights are at their brightest here in the semifinals.

“I’m excited because this is the first time in my four years that I’m in the semifinals. Then, I was part of the first five in this game. So I was really nervous and excited and I think the excitement boosted me up,” he said.

He was also able to hold his own against four-time PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo in the post for the second straight game, this time making his presence felt also on the offensive end as he shot 11-of-18 from the field.

“Although we lost, we knew we had a chance to win against San Miguel. It was also a chance for me because we don’t have Greg (Slaughter), so I knew I had to perform. I need to step up,” he said.

With his performance drawing praises from teammates and fans alike, Caperal knows better not to let it get into his head as he certainly got San Miguel’s attention this time and will be a marked man come Game 3 on Tuesday.

“Our focus is on the next game. We’ll move on,” he said.

“Coach Tim (Cone) said that we’re lucky this collapse didn’t happen in a Game 7 or a do-or-die. We still have a chance, so we’ll get back tomorrow in practice, and do what we can do. Hopefully, we can have a win next game.”