Game One was a reality check for the San Miguel Beermen that the Magnolia Hotshots will not do them any favors. Two days later, the defending, three-time Philippine Cup champions once again figured in the same predicament they faced during the series opener.
The mighty Beermen were able to impose their will on the Hotshots in Game Two, leading by as much as 21 points, 71-50. And just like in Game One, the Hotshots went on a huge rally, slicing the lead to just seven, 68-75, with 8:26 left.
But having learned their lesson, San Miguel answered right back with a 10-0 run to put the game away for good.
“We’ve learned our lesson eh. Talagang pinaghandaan nila ito,” shared San Miguel head coach Leo Austria, as they were able to tie the series with a 92-77 win.
“Deep inside sa kanila, makikita mo na talagang very serious sila — to the point na makikipag-away sila kahit kanino sa court.”
And when push came to shove, the Beermen did not back down, even with the game out of reach.
With 2:32 remaining and San Miguel holding a 16-point lead, Arwind Santos and Jio Jalalon figured in a war of words that resulted in technical fouls being slapped on both cagers.
“Wala naman. In fact, hindi ko na naririnig kung anong pinagsasabi niya eh dahil mainit ang laro talaga,” recalled Santos, who finished the contest with a game-high 24 points, eight rebounds, and two blocks.
“Siguro minsan kasi kailangan natin ‘yun, kailangan medyo may kaunting kulitan lang.”
“It’s very evident naman kanina eh. Ayaw nila mag-give in kahit sister team na ‘yan. Kaya sinabi ko noong press con, ang magkakapatid, nag-aaway pa rin,” furthered Austria.
For the former league Most Valuable Player, the Beermen wanted to send a statement that this is still their yard.
“Siguro pinakita lang namin na hindi dahil naka-three-peat na kami, papayag na lang kami ng ganun-ganun na lang. Siguro kaya pinakita ko lang na, bilang may-ari ng trono, kahit sino umagaw, magagalit ka.
“Siguro sa akin, walang personalan. Siguro, para sa akin, pinakita ko lang ‘yung dapat kong i-contribute doon maliban sa maka-focus sa laro, kailangan ipakita mo rin na hindi ka masisindak ng kahit sino sa loob,” expressed the 6-foot-4 forward, who is averaging 21.5 points on 45.5 percent shooting, 7.5 rebounds, and 2.0 blocks in the series. “Kaya ginawa ko ‘yung … akala nila siguro nakikipag-away na ako, pero ‘yun lang ay dahil gusto ko manalo, gusto ko mai-tie. Kasi mahirap na pag na-2-0 kami.”
Statement sent.
