SAN Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria isn't buying Alex Compton's line that he was 'outcoached' in Game One, saying he expects Alaska and its coach to bounce back strong on Sunday in the PBA Governors Cup Finals.
After San Miguel blew away Alaska in a 108-78 win at the start of the best-of-seven series on Friday night, Compton said the only reason the Aces lost was because he was outcoached by Austria.
However, Austria was quick to deflect the credit, saying the Beermen merely came out with more energy as he warned that the Alaska coach has a lot more tricks up his sleeve.
Austria also said Compton is just too good a coach to underestimate.
“He is a great motivator. It’s very evident for them. Makikita mo sa team nila,” said Austria, who at one time had Compton as an assistant during a brief stint with Welcoat (now Rain or Shine).
“They are very cohesive and a very disciplined team. We only match their energy. If we do that, we have a good chance to beat them,” said Austria.
Austria said he doesn’t believe Alaska's long break after a sweep of Star in the semifinals had anything to do with the Aces' lackluster performance.
“Every team sa semis deserves a break. It takes three days to practice, that’s enough time to recover to map out kung ano ‘yung dapat nilang gawin. Siguro sa susunod na game, ‘yung competitiveness, nandoon pa rin,” said Austria.
Austria is bracing for an Alaska fightback in Game Two slated on Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum, saying the proud top seeds will do everything they can to avoid falling into a 0-2 hole.
“I’m expecting them to bounce back hard dahil kapag 2-0 na, mahirap mag-isip, mahirap mag-motivate,” said Austria.
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