PBA: Leo Austria wants more urgency, energy from San Miguel to keep semis hopes alive

MANILA – San Miguel Beermen head coach Leo Austria called for a greater sense of urgency from his squad as they fight for survival in the PBA 50 Governors’ Cup. 

San Miguel is in a must-win situation in Game 3 of their quarterfinals series against Barangay Ginebra, who are leading 2-0 and are one win away from the next round.

Austria expressed frustration with the Beermen’s performance in the playoffs, especially in their 99-126 loss in Game 2.

“What I observed was a little bit complacent and the energy. We’re trying to have [the energy], hindi ko pa nakikita. So what I’m saying, ‘yung sense of urgency, hindi ko pa nakikita.,” he told reporters last Friday.

The Beermen once again could not keep up with the Gin Kings in the second half, trailing their sister team by double digits in the loss.  

Import George King was limited to 13 points in Game 2, while June Mar Fajardo slowly regained his form after only producing three points in their first meeting.

Austria gave credit to Ginebra, led by champion coach Tim Cone, for preparing well and having answers to all their offensive schemes and runs.

“For me, June Mar is not yet 100%. Dahil in the past few days, during practice, he’s asking for a rest dahil something wrong with [his] plantar fasciitis, nakikita niya. Because of wear and tear na rin eh. Kung makikita nyo, it’s a big difference ‘yung laro niya,” he said.

Despite their struggles, the San Miguel mentor and champion coach reminded his team to keep their heads up since the series is not yet over.

“We’re still trying to regroup. But I told the team na we still have to be positive because they need another win for them to get into the next round. But the chance is still there, but it’s up to us. So what I’m asking from them is just play our game. Dahil hindi ko pa nakikita ‘yung talagang game namin,” Austria said.

Austria hopes the Beermen rise to the occasion and capitalize on their opportunity to keep their semifinals hopes alive with a crucial victory.

“I’m hoping na next game talagang ma-realize nila na this is sana hindi maging last game namin. Dahil sinabi ko sa kanila, let us not wait another season for us to get into the playoffs. And this is opportunity, another win on next game namin. It could give us a lot of confidence,” he said.

Game 3 between San Miguel and Ginebra is set on Tuesday at the Dasmariñas City Arena in Cavite.