All that Anjo Caram planned to do in Meralco’s 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup meeting with NorthPort on Sunday evening was simple: step up while Baser Amer isn’t one hundred percent yet.
The 6-foot Amer was back in action for the Bolts versus the Batang Pier after missing their game versus Columbian Dyip last Friday due to a groin injury, but he hasn’t really fully recovered.
Caram did his job. And he did it extremely well, much to the delight of all the Orangemen.
The diminutive point guard shot the lights out, going 11-of-15 from the field — including four three-pointers — for a career-high 30 markers. His performance powered Meralco to a 103-89 victory.
“Anjo was just awesome tonight. He really gave us a big lift and pretty much guided us to this victory,” lauded coach Norman Black of Caram. “He was making shots all over the court.
“I give him a lot of credit leading the team,” added the multi-decorated bemch strategist. “He knew going into the game that Baser wasn’t one hundred percent.
“He stepped up.“
For Caram, he hadn’t planned on scoring much, that he simply took what the defense was giving him.
“Focus ko lang this game kasi ‘yung role ko is to relieve Baser lang e. E nagkataon lang this game na I was taking what the defense was giving me,” said the six-year pro out of San Beda.
“‘Yung role ko talaga ‘di naman to score, daming scorers ‘yung team eh. Credit din sa teammates ko na ‘pag dinouble sila, pinapasa nila sa ‘kin. At thank you kay Lord na nashu-shoot ko rin.”
The win — their fifth straight — meant a lot for the Bolts. Not only did it put them second in the standings with an 8-2 card; it also enabled them to clinch a twice-to-beat edge for the quarters.
“This game is crucial kasi kung nanalo kami rito, secured na kami sa twice-to-beat, Top Four. So we treated this game na parang playoffs na rin,” said the 28-year-old from Iloilo City.
“We want to enter the playoffs on a winning note para tuloy-tuloy ‘yung momentum.”
