ITCHING FOR THAT 1ST WIN
San Miguel Beer wasn’t supposed to be in the situation it currently finds itself in.
After winning the Philippine Cup, pundits pegged the Beermen to continue to be a force to reckon with, even drawing comparisons and opening up possibilities of making another Grand Slam run, just like what San Mig Coffee did last season.
But two losses after, and the fans are looking for answers.
A shock defeat to Kia to open their conference, followed up by a mugging from Barangay Ginebra, and this early, it seems like San Miguel’s back is pressed against the wall.
On Wednesday, however, the Beermen try to turn their fortunes for the better.
Aiming for their first victory in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup, San Miguel plays fellow cellar-dweller Blackwater in a battle of two winless squads.
Game time is at 4:15 p.m.
Coach Leo Austria is hoping for a more fluid outing from his wards as he admitted that the team still has not gotten over the so-called championship hangover.
“It’s too short of a time to celebrate, but I hope in the next few days, makalimutan na nila yung championship. I think with these last two losses, things will be different,” the SMB mentor said.
Austria admitted that they missed the flow they had in their title run, with the most glaring change concerning Arwind Santos.
“Because of the presence of big men with our opponents, hindi ko pwedeng isabay si Arwind dun because it seems na they’re taking advantage of their height if ever Arwind would play the four. We all know na Arwind is very effective at the four position, but our opponent is trying to attack him at his position. That’s why we can’t afford to let him play long minutes against those big men,” Austria explained. “Ang ginagawa ko, nilalagay ko siya sa three position, but affected yung flow nung execution dahil hindi pa siya sanay dun.”
San Miguel, however, will still have its hands full against the Elite, who will still lean on 6-foot-11 Marcus Douthit.
The Beermen will try to offset that advantage with Ronald Roberts, which in the eyes of Austria, is slowly getting the feel of his teammates.
“There are positives. Makikita niyo na talagang on both sides of the court, talagang nagtatrabaho siya. That’s something na kailangan i-capitalize namin. Our import is slowly adjusting to the brand of game we have,” Austria said. “No need to push the panic button yet. What’s important is we need to win our first game.”
Blackwater, meanwhile, is still looking for the franchise’s first-ever victory in the PBA and the Elite would love nothing better than to replicate what fellow expansion team Kia accomplished – an upset win over San Miguel.
The Elite has already suffered 14 straight losses to date, tying them with the 2011-2012 Shopinas.com team under coach Franz Pumaren. Another loss would tie them with the 2008 Welcoat squad under coach Caloy Garcia, which lost 15 straight games spanning the 2007-2008 Philippine Cup to the Fiesta Conference. (RL)
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