Austria answer crucial in Game 4 of SMB-TNT

There is no doubt now that Nash Racela has been out- coaching Leo Austria.

I dare say even that Racela has shamed Austria to sky-high proportions.

OK, Racela has piloted his TNT KaTropa to hairline back-to-back wins over Austrias San Miguel Beer.

However, both series- grabbing triumphs were purely chiseled out of a cerebral woodwork, courtesy of Racelas studiousness rarely seen nowadays from coaches of substance.

Look, before TNT posted those twin, chest-beating victories, SMB had appeared untouchable.

With their 12-1 record going to the semifinals to include a runaway 11-1 slate after the eliminations/quarterfinals, who would have thought the Beermen couldnt continue advancing with ease?

But then, this: SMB succumbing to losses in succession.

One self-styled expert said, Maybe SMB had peaked early? Absorbing just one defeat going to the semis is just unbelievable. The law of averages might have caught up with the Beermen. Maybe. But with all due respect, I disagree. Simply, Racela has been outwitting Austria. And, unless Austria, the winningest mentor in 2016, makes adjustments, Racela might just achieve the impossible: Steer TNT to the finals.

For example, the most naked of Racelas ploys in Games 2 & 3 was to slash the lane, making Jason Castro a decoy in issuing basket-producing hand- offs underneath numerous times.

Add to that Racelas strict orders for his boys to fire from afara move meant to derail Austrias penchant to stick to the zone even amid enemy assault that produced numerous crucial threes, courtesy of unheralded RR Pogoy.

Just because Pogoy is a rookie means he need not be taken seriously? Suicide.

Hey, Racela is also a rookie and look what hes been doing to Austria, a two-time champ last year to include his historic rise from 0-3 to win this Philippine Cup 4-3.

Not seeing Austria make any adjustment in the face of TNTs successful bombardment Ranidel de Ocampo was allowed those three-point luxury shots insanely in Game 2Racela kept the pressure up to the end.

And, yes, June Mar Fajardo was transformed from cornerstone to cobblestone: Endlessly triple-teamed to pave KaTropas 2-1 lead in the race-to-four series. Will Tuesdays Game 4 be different? Only Austria can provide the answer.

And, yes, June Mar Fajardo was transformed from cornerstone to cobblestone: Endlessly triple-teamed to pave KaTropas 2-1 lead in the race-to-four series.