As far as Leo Austria is concerned, the real San Miguel Beermen haven’t shown up in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals yet.
But with their backs against the wall against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the multi-titled mentor is hoping the real Beermen will show up in Game 3.
“We’re still trying to regroup. But I told the team na we still have to be positive because they need another win for them to get into the next round,” Austria told reporters after San Miguel suffered a 126-99 dismantling on Friday to drop to an 0-2 hole. “But the chance is still there, but it’s up to us. What I’m asking from them is just to play our game. Dahil hindi ko pa nakikita ‘yung talagang game namin.”
Prior to the quarterfinals, San Miguel was second to the Converge FiberXers in scoring at slightly above 120 a game. Against Ginebra, the Beermen have yet to breach the 100-point mark, scoring only 95 in Game 1 and 99 in Game 2. The defense has been just as terrible, with San Miguel surrendering 104 in the opener and 126 on Friday.
San Miguel Must Play With Sense of Urgency
Austria, in particular, is looking for his Beermen to play with urgency, something the 68-year-old mentor thinks has been missing so far.
“What I observed was a little bit complacent, and the energy. We’re trying to have [the energy]. Hindi ko pa nakikita. So what I’m saying, ‘yung sense of urgency, hindi ko pa nakikita,” added Austria, who isn’t ready yet to coach his last game in Season 50.
Naturally, he is hoping his Beermen are feeling the same way.
“I’m hoping na next game, talagang ma-realize nila na this is sana hindi maging last game namin. Dahil sinabi ko sa kanila, let us not wait another season for us to get into the playoffs,” he said. “And this is an opportunity, another win in our next game. It could give us a lot of confidence.”
San Miguel will look to keep its season alive later tonight in Game 3, to be held at the City of Dasmariñas Arena in Cavite.
