For coach Leo Austria, it is a mistake to think the San Miguel Beermen cannot pull through without main man June Mar Fajardo.
That’s what the decorated mentor said when SMB lost Fajardo to foul trouble but still managed to win, 100-88. San Miguel now have a 1-0 lead over the Phoenix Pulse Fuel Masters in their 2019 PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series, Saturday night.
Though Fajardo was limited to just nine points, Cabagnot still paced San Miguel with 26 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and three steals. Chris Ross and Marcio Lassiter chimed 14 markers apiece, while Christian Standhardinger tallied a double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds.
“They know June Mar is really the pillar of our team, na they thought if June Mar is not there, there’s no chance for us to win,” said Austria, moments after the match at SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“But they made a mistake.”
Austria cited San Miguel’s ability to make do with what they have. He pointed to the time prior to the season, and in the midst of the All-Filipino conference, when they were hobbled by injuries but still managed to get things done.
“Before the start of the season, hindi kami kumpleto eh. Nawawala si Alex [Cabagnot]. Si Terrence [Romeo] after first game na-injured. And then si Christian [Standhardinger] na-injured. But we’re here,” Austria said.
“So that means kung kulang kami o hindi, ganyan, our goal is still there.”
But even if they drew first blood in the race-to-four affair, Austria said that there’s still room for improvement for SMB. He said that they have to be better from shooting outside, even if they knocked down 18 in Game One.
“I think we have to improve our outside shooting because we have a big man who could score in the perimeter,” he said.
“And I know na every team, they want to stop June Mar or limit him, but we want them to pick their poison.”
