Rain or Shine head coach Caloy Garcia admitted that he’s also to blame for the Elasto Painters’ huge meltdown versus the San Miguel Beermen on Monday night, which also cost them Game Two of the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals.
Garcia regretted not calling timeouts at the height of the Beermen’s comeback from 29 down in the second quarter. SMB had unfurled a 31-4 blitz – including a record 21 straight points – to knock within just two before the break.
The Beermen then got their groove on, continuing the onslaught in the second half to register the 117-105 win.
“It’s partly my fault of the loss. I could have called more timeouts in the first half if I knew about it.
“We started the game on fire, but they were able to pick up their defense, and they were able to pick up their shots,” recalled Garcia.
The veteran coach also lamented his wards’ carelessness in handling the ball, since they allowed the Beermen their comeback. Rain or Shine committed 17 turnovers in the game, which led to 29 points for San Miguel.
“Same story – turnovers.
“We were playing good until we started committing turnovers and gave them turnover points. We lost by 16 in the turnover points,” said Garcia, as the Elasto Painters only made 13 points off SMB’s 12 errors.
This is the second time this conference that Rain or Shine lost hold of a 20-plus lead. The first one was back in June 19, where they blew a 25-point lead to NorthPort and lost in overtime, 107-105.
“Even under coach Yeng [Guiao], nangyayari din sa amin.
“But you know, at the end of the day, you just have to live with it. You have to try to find ways to get better every day. We just have to hope for the best every time,” Garcia said.
The Elasto Painters are indeed hoping for the best ahead of Game Three this Wednesday, July 31, at the SMART Araneta Coliseum. It is, after all, do-or-die for them now.
“I told the players it’s not over,” said Garcia. “We were able to build that lead, but then, San Miguel will always be San Miguel.
“They’re really probably the best team in the league right now… Now, we just have to look at Game Three.”
