LEO Austria admitted a bit of concern after San Miguel opened its defense of the PBA Philippine Cup title with two straight losses - the first time for the Beermen in an all-Filipino conference since June Mar Fajardo came on board in 2012.
And so, it was understandable to see the reigning champions play with urgency in clinching their first win of Season 50 by drubbing the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 111-93, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
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“Now we have to play with a sense of urgency. And you can see naman from the players, they are all out. And that’s the game we want to project at the start of the tournament,” said Austria.
The San Miguel coach admitted lack of physical conditioning led to the team’s loss against NLEX and Phoenix.
A case of championship hangover and late preparation to the Beermen’s campaign in the league’s golden season had a lot to do with it.
“After the championship, I have to give them time to rest and relax. And we paid the price for that,” said Austria.
Whereas most of the teams had already began training for the season, San Miguel was just still shaking off the rust from its off-season break.
“Struggling kami bago ang start ng season. I attributed it that we’re not in top shape compared to the other teams because they started training two months before the tournament,” said Austria.
Having tasted blood, the San Miguel coach is keeping his fingers crossed the Beermen will be able to ride the momentum as they fly to Dubai this week to battle Barangay Ginebra Kings at the Coca-Cola Arena on Sunday.
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