SAN Miguel Beer coach Ato Agustin likes where his team is right now. The Beermen have won eight of their last nine games since Agustin officially took over the coaching chores. More importantly, the multi-titled squad is sitting on top of the heap in the homestretch of the Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup eliminations.
San Miguel Beer repeated over sister team Ginebra, 79-78, this conference to enter the quarterfinals and boost its bid for a twice-to-beat edge. The Beermen also snapped the Gin Kings’ six-game winning streak.
‘’This was a very important win for us, kasi isa na lang na panalo sigurado na kami na matatapos kami in the Top 2, then maglalaban pa ang Ginebra and Talk ‘N Text. Plus, nakalayo pa kami ng konti du’n sa dalawa,’’ Agustin said.
San Miguel Beer now totes a 9-2 slate atop the team standings, one-and-a-half game ahead of second placer Ginebra (7-3) and two games ahead of third placer Talk ‘N Text (6-3).
‘’Sabi ko sa kanila, kung natalo kami dito, magtatabla pa kami ng Talk ‘N Text for second place. Baka delikado pa kaya, good thing nanalo kami.’’
Another win in their last three outings and the Beermen will be assured of a top two slot and a twice-to-beat edge in the quarters.
The top two squads at the end of the elimination round enjoy the luxury of a twice-to-beat incentive against their respective opponents in the quarters, so Agustin is keen on securing that edge.
San Miguel has finished in the top two after the eliminations in each of the past three conferences and Agustin wants that trend to continue.
‘’Napakaganda ng posisyon namin ngayon. Pero siyempre hindi pa tapos ‘yan. We have three more games so we need to keep going pa din para sigurado.’’
Agustin actually likes close games because he wants the Beermen to thrive in adversity and develop their composure.
‘’We’re playing very well right now. Maganda ‘yung itinatakbo ng team namin so far. Lahat nagco-contribute and most importantly, gusto ko ‘yung composure namin sa end game. Hindi nawawala ‘yung focus at hindi nara-rattle kapag nadidikitan kami.’’
San Miguel still has to play Air21, Alaska and Meralco in the eliminations.
‘’Sana magtuloy-tuloy na ito para sa amin hanggang sa playoffs.’’
Jeric Lopez, Manila Standard Today
