BEERMEN RARIN’ TO GO TO BATTLE
San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria liked what he saw as they returned to practice after a welcome break.
“You can see in their body language na naiinip na sila. Gusto nila laban na. That’s a big positive sign for us,” said Austria.
“Medyo kino-control nga namin dahil baka maubos sa practice. Gusto namin mental conditioning lang at paghandaan ang mga pwedeng gawin ng kalaban,” Austria also said.
Austria and his team take the spotlight in the next few days, clashing with either Alaska or Rain or Shine in a best-of-seven series for the PBA Philippine Cup crown.
“We’re closely watching the Alaska-Rain or Shine series. Naka-depende sa resulta non ang resting period ng team namin,” Austria said.
“We take a break on Jan. 1, then baka mag-break pa uli kami depende sa resulta nang laban ng Alaska at Rain or Shine,” Austria added.
With the outcome of the other semifinal series still up in the air, the Beermen are just doing basic drills in practice.
“We don’t want the players to develop bad habits and we don’t want them to forget what we’re doing. So back to basics muna kami,” Austria pointed out.
Austria and his staff know what to expect versus Alaska or Rain or Shine, though.
They’re well aware the Aces beat their opponents on their untiring and unforgiving trapping defense while the Elasto Painters thrive on their physicality and fast-paced game.
Austria has made a bold prediction that it would be Alaska in Game Six or Rain or Shine in Game Seven.
Three games-to-two up and pumped-up, the Aces take their first of two shots at the Finals at 5 p.m. on Jan. 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Beermen gained the first berth in the all-Filipino Finals after sweeping the Talk n Text Tropang Texters, 4-0, in their own semis series.
San Miguel now has a chance to capture a fifth all-Filipino crown and a 20th championship in all. (SB)
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