SAN Miguel’s decision to take in Bennie Boatwright midway through the conference proved to be a pivotal point in its run to the championship at the PBA 48th Season Commissioner’s Cup.
But for coach Jorge Gallent, the turning point of their conference came well before Boatwright stepped on the floor for the Beermen.
Gallent pays tribute to Aska
Gallent felt that the last two games of Boatwright’s predecessor Ivan Aska for the Beermen changed the course of San Miguel’s campaign in the Commissioner’s Cup.
The Beermen were a shaky 3-3 after losing their first game of the conference to NLEX in overtime. It would later slump to two straight defeats to NorthPort and even their eventual finals opponent Magnolia with June Mar Fajardo also sidelined due to a fractured left hand.
San Miguel decided to make a change with Boatwright but he wasn't able to come in immediately. Aska played through and was able to deliver with 10 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals as San Miguel snapped the two-game losing skid with a 95-82 win over Barangay Ginebra on December 15.
Aska ended up playing one more game as Boatwright got the flu entering their match against TNT on December 17.
Aska, who came in as a replacement to original choice Tyler Stone before the conference opened, played like a true professional in his final game with the Beermen as he tallied 25 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three steals in their 98-93 win.
“The last two games of Ivan Aska, he really played his (bleep) out. We won that and those games were against top teams. Those teams were against Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text that lifted us,” said Gallent, when asked about the turning point of the conference.
Boatwright takes over
Boatwright went on to lead San Miguel to nine straight victories, and 11 out of the last 13 games to capture the franchise’s 29th crown.
But without Aska’s positive attitude toward being replaced, the Beermen might not be where they are right now.
“Bennie just took over but that wasn't the main (turning point). Ivan Aska knew he was going to be changed but he still played his heart out. When we were 3-3, we beat Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text and he was our import. That was the turning point,” said Gallent.
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