San Miguel Beermen-Rain or Shine Elasto Painters Game 3 Additional Quotes
The Beermen moved a step closer from returning to the PBA finals after beating the Elasto Painters, 114-108 in Game 3. Arizona Reid fired 37 points in the win which showed the character of the squad, moving on from a disappointing defeat 48 hours before.
Head coach Leo Austria described the squad as “on one direction” in Game 3. Three locals scored at least 17 for the Beermen, which shot an astounding 18-for-27 from three-point area.
Here are some words from Austria and Marcio Lassiter, who has been shooting the lights out in the semi-final series.
Leo Austria
Photo from PBA Images
On key players stepping up: “I am happy to see Alex (Cabagnot) back in his old form and I think that is the key. AZ Reid didn’t want to lose. You can see it in his eyes and this third game is pivotal. But both teams do not have both hands yet at the finals. I am sure there will be a big adjustment and we will try to anticipate.”
On how team moved on from Game 2 defeat: “That is a very frustrating loss. Tinalo nila kami sa last shot. I told them it really happens like what happened in the first game. It happened to us. I-set aside na natin and it is a thing of the past. What I saw is they did not want to lose, even those sitting on the bench. We were on one direction today.”
Marcio Lassiter
On hitting 10 threes but losing: “If we come out victorious, none of that matters to me. Well, it is a personal achievement but none matters to me but winning. We are closer to the finals. Ten triples is a great achievement but winning the game is more important.”
On how team bounced back: “It was crucial for us to bounce back and learn from our mistakes. A lot of us, we all stepped up. Good thing we bounced back fast and it kind of erased that (Game 2). I just hope we compete again and bring the energy on Wednesday. It is good to redeem yourselves.”
