Austria impressed with San Miguel’s fine start

San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria was surprised that his team performed like a well-oiled machine during its season-opening 97-86 victory over Globalport last Saturday at the University of Southeastern Philippines gym in Davao City.

The Beermen controlled the game from the start before fending off a late comeback by the Batang Pier to start their quest for a second straight PBA Philippine Cup title on a high note.

“Masaya ako dahil na-surprise ako sa linaro ng team, hindi ko akalain ganun ang magiging performance nila. I think yung experience namin from last season, nadala namin this conference,” said Austria.

“Sa start pa lang ng game, alam ko mananalo kami kasi kitang kita ko sa body language ng mga players, determinado sila na makuha ang first win. Kung ano yung linaro nila last season, alam mo na alam nila ang gagawin.”

“During the preseason games talagang struggling kami. Out of the six games we played, we only won two and then one draw. Ang Globalport naman maganda ang pinakita sa preseason. Kaya medyo na-surprise ako, pero masayang masaya” added Austria.

The preseason saw the Beermen hampered with injuries of key players like twotime reigning Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo, who nursed a plantar fasciitis in his foot that prevented him from joining Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Championship.

But the 6-foot-10 star showed no signs of the injury as he posted 21 points on 8-of16 shooting, with 17 rebounds and three blocks.

San Miguel also got solid performances from guard Alex Cabagnot with 19 points and eight assists, while Arwind Santos added 11 points. Ace gunner Marcio Lassiter, who also had a hamstring injury during the offseason, came off the bench with 10 points.