Score one for San Miguel
After seven grueling games, mind games, and various off-court banter from both sides, the San Miguel Beermen proved that the Philippine Cup is still their domain after a dominant 96-83 win over rivals TNT Katropa.
But with the other bracket pitting their sister teams Barangay Ginebra San Miguel and Star Hotshots still on-going, coach Leo Austria was asked who they would like to face in the Finals.
“I hope na yung goal namin ay matupad namin,” Austria said about their goal of winning three-straight Philippine Cup crowns. “But it’s not going to be an easy series especially with the Star Hotshots getting a lot of veterans and ganun din ang Ginebra.”
“Kahit sino sa kanila [okay lang]. We’re actually glad dahil I think for both us, manalo or matalo, palagay ko panalo pa rin ang San Miguel.”
Austria warned that even if the three teams are playing under the same umbrella, the audience should expect fireworks, as giving way is not in their vocabulary.
“Never sa mga San Miguel sister teams nagkakaroon ng bigayan. Kung maari mag-bunong-braso or mag-wrestling sila dahil they know na ang pride ang nakataya.
“Usually pag nagmi-meeting kami, kantyawan yan. Everybody wants to win a championship,” the three-time PBA champion coach said.
Moreover, he wants to one-up his co-leagues in the SMC camp, as winning their third straight Philippine Cup crown will lock the Jun Bernardino Trophy in the case of the San Miguel office in Ortigas Center, Pasig.
“I hope makuha namin ito dahil the players want to be part of the history of San Miguel,” the 58-year-old mentor added.
