MANILA – After its embarrassing defeat to Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings in Game 1, San Miguel Beermen is determined to bounce back in Game 2 of the 2018 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Beermen head coach Leo Austria said that he expects his players to level the series 1-1 in their 6:30 p.m. match. San Miguel lost to Ginebra by 28 points (127-99) in Game 1 on Friday.
Austria admitted they were outplayed by Kings, which pulled off the lopsided win with another strong performance from Best Import of the Conference contender Justin Brownlee.
“We’ve been humiliated by Ginebra. We’re not able to execute our game plan because we thought our talent that we used during the playoffs, from quarterfinals to the semifinals, will be overwhelming,” Austria said.
“They (Ginebra) came out really on fire and, to the letter, nasusunod iyong kanilang game plan, and it was very obvious,” he added. “We’re surprised because of [our] complacency. I think they came out really prepared.”
The defending champions are not losing hope, their head coach said.
“This is the game I don’t want to experience, especially in the championship series,” said Austria. “The good thing is this is a best-of-seven. Matalo kami ng 40 o 50 (points), this is just one game.”
“We have to move forward and we have to adjust next game dahil all the players of Ginebra are really focused. Kahit sino ipasok mo, alam nila,” the six-time PBA champion coach added.
For his part, Kings head coach Tim Cone said they have to be ready for the expected adjustments from Beermen.
He acknowledged it would be tough to duplicate their impressive shooting performance in Game 1.
“It was just one of those nights where we had it and they didn’t,” said Cone. “We were firing on all cylinders. That got them on their heels early, and we didn’t let up.”
“But all we did was stir up the beehive, and they’re coming back big time in Game 2,” he added./PN
