SAN Miguel coach Leo Austria's work as newly-designated head coach of San Miguel Beer just turned tougher.
After easy wins against Terrafirma and Blackwater in the PBA, Austria scouted Eastern when it played Barangay Ginebra last Sunday, looking for an edge as he prepares to battle the Hong Kong-based team on Wednesday.
The match is part of the East Asia Super League (EASL) where the Beermen are seeking a first win against two losses. Similarly, Eastern is also winless and that makes the coming encounter important for both squads.
READ SMB's home-and-away games vs Eastern to test Austria mettle
The team that loses will have a quick chance at redemption as the two squads face off again on Dec. 22 in the PBA Comissioner's Cup. The two tournaments are different as the EASL involves other Asian teams while the PBA has Eastern as a guest squad.
As he tries to help the team pick up the pieces after a slow start to the Commissioner’s Cup, Austria is also determined to put on a respectable performance in the EASL starting with the away match against Eastern.
SMB has yet to win a single game in the EASL under its current iteration, losing two in the 2023 Champions Week held in Japan, and being defeated in its first pair of games in the 2024-25 regular season.
“Para sa akin, every game, especially with this team, San Miguel, there’s a lot of pride. And we should be ready and prepared because ‘yung mga fans namin (are) always expecting a lot from us. We cannot rest,” said Austria.
San Miguel lost to Suwon KT Sonicboom, 87-81, last October 2 at the Mall of Asia Arena before being blown away by the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots, 101-85, last November 13 at the Philsports Arena.
Eastern is also winless in Group A of the EASL, but has already compiled five wins out of six games in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Austria noted the importance of performing at a high level in the EASL as the Beermen, with still four games to play in the group stage, aren’t just representing their company.
“EASL is medyo malaki rin ang puwedeng ibigay sa team. We are not only carrying San Miguel. It’s the PBA and our country, and we should play accordingly. And kailangan, may class ang ibibigay namin,” said Austria.
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