Just like the old times, San Miguel Beer preserved its best and savored this great moment by winning the PBA’s crown jewel — the Philippine Cup.
The Beermen poured their might in the pivotal third period then held tougher to close out the best-of-seven championship series in six games and denied the TNT a historic grand slam for the second time in 14 years following a 107-96 win in front of the packed crowd inside the Philsports Arena.
It was the 30th title overall for the Beermen, but more importantly, a fitting way to atone from last season’s finals loss against Meralco.
While history repeated itself by denying TNT a potential triple crown for the second time since 2011 , San Miguel’s win was also more like a statement that it remained to be the gold standard when it comes to All-Filipino Conference. It was the 11th Philippine Cup captured by the winningest team in league history.
Since the acquisition of June Mar Fajardo, the Beermen had won 11 championships, 10 of those under the tutelage of Leo Austria.
Fajardo remains as the league’s immovable force, but Austria deflected the credit to the entire team who provided the necessary help given to the 6-foot-10, eight-time Most Valuable Player, who’s been ailing throughout the series.
“June Mar is not playing 100-percent,” said Austria. “But because of our physical therapists, our trainers, June Mar was able to perform well. Sabi ko nga before, our strength doesn’t rely on June Mar alone, the players are the strength of the team, especially the second group. Look now, he’s the Finals MVP, Jericho Cruz, he is from the second group.”
“We have roles on the team. We were able to figure out and define the roles.”
Austria returned to coach the Beermen this conference and immediately brought back his winning ways to the team. He took a coaching hiatus for the past few months, then returned as a coaching consultant, but following unsuccessful trips the previous conferences, management reinstalled the man who was responsible in putting together a league dynasty the past 10 years.
“Pasasalamatan ko si Boss RSA (Ramon Ang) for the confidence he had given me,” added Austria, who now moved as the fifth overall among the coaches who had won most championships after Tim Cone (25), Baby Dalupan (15), Norman Black and Chot Reyes (11 each).
“Boss, maraming, maraming salamat. Utang ko sa inyo lahat ito.”
