PBA: Beermen face tough test in upcoming four-game stretch

San Miguel Beermen coach Leo Austria. photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Currently on a three-game winning run, San Miguel coach Leo Austria still isn’t ready to brand his team as a top contender this 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

“Talent-for-talent, mas talented pa rin yung ibang teams. Siguro nananalo lang kami, pero hindi pa ito yung gusto kong makita sa team,” he said.

But the next four-game stretch, Austria said, could well decide the Beermen’s fate this conference as he regards it as an acid test for his squad.

“It will depend sa next few games namin dahil we’re up against Rain or Shine, Alaska, Star, and Ginebra.
Siguro after nun, doon namin makikita kung ano ang meron sa team namin,” he said. “Ito na yung mga magiging contenders. Kung at least maka-tatlo kami sa next four games, maganda ang tatakbuhin namin.”

Winning over Meralco, 94-86, last Saturday sure has brought immense pride for San Miguel as it became the first team to deal the conference leader its first defeat.

However, that victory didn’t come easy.

“Last game namin against Meralco, kahit nag-struggle yung import dahil sa foul trouble, nag-step up naman yung locals,” said Austria, noting of the huge boost provided by Gabby Espinas to help Tyler Wilkerson up front.

Now, the coach sees it as a great start for the Beermen as they brace for the tough schedule scattered in the next three weeks, which would prove to be beneficial for their hurting players.

“I think with this schedule, mahaba yung pagitan, makakarecover naman sila. Until now kasi nararamdaman pa nila yung pagod,” he said.

And Austria is positive that his guys could further hone their craft as San Miguel eyes back-to-back titles this conference.

“Mukhang maganda ang nakikita namin dito,” he said. “I’m confident na we’ll continue improving sa game namin. Nagma-mature na yung mga players at naiintindihan na nila yung mga gusto naming gawin.”