“I REALLY DON’T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED TO US”
Those were the words of San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria after the Beermen’s big meltdown in Game 1 of the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Finals, falling to Alaska, 88-82 in overtime.
“We had a good start, but we were not able to maintain and sustain our intensity,” Austria said.
The Beermen led by as much as 22, but the “suffocating Alaska defense” doomed them later in the game, hence, the Game 1 defeat.
“I have to credit the defense of Alaska. I know the situation they’re in. They had swarming defense. Masyadong maganda yung defense nila. Walang foul,” Austria said.
He also mentioned the bench production, as the Aces outscored them, 61-20, as well as the Beermen’s 26 turnovers.
“The bench of Alaska, that’s the factor. They scored more than 50 and we committed a lot of turnovers,” Austria said. “How can we win in the Finals if we commit 26 turnovers?”
Even with the setback, Austria believes that they can still win the series, noting, “I think composure lang kailangan naming i-adjust. We were able to lead by 22 points, and it means we have something in us.”
He also subtly called out some of his players who underperformed in Game 1, saying, “We had to take care of our execution, and there were missing links in three guys na inaasahan ko na di nakapagperform.”
But the top priority for Austria and his staff?
That killer D of the Aces.
“We have to find a way to solve that suffocating defense of Alaska.” (RL)
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