For all the misunderstandings, predictions, clutch baskets, and even confrontations, Arwind Santos and the San Miguel Beermen could not close the deal on their title defense of the Commissioner’s Cup.
The Beermen witnessed the fall of their Commissioner’s Cup reign after bowing to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 77-93, in Game Six of the titular battle, Wednesday night at a packed SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
“Kailangan alam mo ‘di lahat para sa’yo, ‘pag sa’yo, sa’yo; ‘pag ‘di sa’yo, ‘wag mong pilitin,” said the former league Most Valuable Player, who only had five points and six rebounds in the loss.
“Ang importante, ipagdasal mo na lang.”
Obviously, Santos isn’t planning to stay in this defeat for long. The 37-year-old forward even saw some positives the crushing setback, saying that it will only help the Beermen in their growth as a unit.
“Galing din kami sa champion. Ang maganda dito, tanggap namin ang nangyari kahit masakit,” expressed the 12-year pro. “Siyempre tao lang din tayo, nasasaktan sa mga gantong situation. Maganda rin nangyayari sa’min.
“Kasi minsan nagkakaroon kami kasi parang, isip namin kayang-kaya namin lahat. Eh maganda na rin yan, alam namin na may mga better team na kayang tumalo sa’min kagaya ng Ginebra,” he pointed out.
Just as head coach Leo Austria has stressed, this loss serves as a wake-up call for the team. Santos agrees with that, saying that this is now a time for his Beermen to take their game higher, as the targets on their backs get bigger.
“Kailangan ‘di kami magpabaya kasi alam naming pinaghahandaan kami, dapat double ginagawa namin to prepare,” shared the seven-time champion.
“Nararamdaman namin yun, lahat ng teams gusto kaming talunin.”
