SAN Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria said the team’s experience in handling tough situations allowed them to pull through as the Beermen stayed unbeaten going into the semifinals of the 50th Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
“Because of our experience, especially in a game like this one, and after winning nine consecutive times, the players knew how to win this one,” said Austria after the Beermen repulsed the NLEX Road Warriors, 101-94, in their Christmas Day quarterfinal encounter on Thursday at the Araneta Coliseum.
This was evident when the Beermen steadied themselves in crunchtime when the Warriors closed in.
Robert Bolick Jr., who sank 31 points and had 10 rebounds, unloaded two charities, that allowed the Road Warriors to come close, 94-97.
But four charity shots from JuneMarFajardo and Don Trollano in the final 16.7 seconds foiled the Warriors’ bid to catch up in the remaining time.
The nine-time Most Valuable Player Fajardo, who struck with 26 points and 17 rebounds, said the Beermen should never be overconfident in the semifinals, even with their 10-game winning streak.
“Hindi ganoon kadali iyon. Kailangan namin pagtrabahuhin ito,” said Fajardo. “Kailangan hindi kami magpakapante, dahil gusto naming pumasok sa finals.”
The Beermen, who wielded a twice-to-beat incentive, marched into their second straight best-of-seven semifinals appearance.
They were enjoying a 97-87 edge in the last 4:32 off CJ Perez’ freebies, when the Road Warriors came back to within three, 92-97, mostly from attacks by JB Bahio, LJ Gonzales and Bolick.
Earlier, RJ Abarrientos drilled in 35 points for the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Gin Kings in their 105-85 thwarting of the fourth seed Converge Fiber Xers, to remain in the running for a semifinals seat.
