GAME HIGHLIGHTS
FULL GAME REPLAY
As the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup intensifies, San Miguel Beermen (SMB) are laser-focused on securing a top-four finish, and head coach Leo Austria is making sure his team doesn’t let its guard down.
“We can’t afford to relax because every game remains important,” Austria said, reflecting the team’s determined mindset.
With a 4-2 win-loss record, the Beermen are in a strong position—currently sitting at third place. This puts them in contention for the twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals, a reward given to the top four teams after the 11-game elimination round.
Light Schedule Ahead—But No Room for Complacency
San Miguel’s next two games appear manageable on paper: against Terrafirma Dyip and Blackwater Bossing. However, Coach Austria refuses to underestimate any opponent.
Next Opponents:
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Terrafirma Dyip: Currently reeling from a six-game losing streak, holding a 1-6 record. They are effectively out of playoff contention.
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Blackwater Bossing: Also struggling at 1-4, but Austria remains cautious.
Despite Terrafirma’s dismal showing, Austria notes they are competitive in the first half of most games. Their downfall lies in their lack of bench depth, which often causes them to falter late in matches.
“Terrafirma shows competitiveness early, but because of their lack of depth, they tend to lose steam,” Austria explained.
Bench Contribution: The Hidden Key to Success
A major takeaway from Austria’s strategy is the importance of San Miguel’s bench players. In earlier games, the bench provided critical support, contributing to the team’s victories. However, during a narrow 84-89 loss to TNT, the bench only managed six points—an alarming dip.
The situation quickly improved in SMB’s most recent outing, a 111-92 win over Phoenix, where the bench responded with a stellar 46-point performance. This complemented the efforts of key starters like CJ Perez and June Mar Fajardo.
“Our bench really helped a lot in our first three wins—they could be called the best players of those games,” Austria said.
Austria’s Winning Formula: Focus, Consistency, and Respect for Opponents
Coach Austria continually reminds his squad of the unpredictability of the PBA. Any team, regardless of record, has the potential to win on any given day.
“Every team is capable of beating us if we don’t perform well,” Austria warned.
The message is clear: Stay sharp, play hard, and never underestimate anyone.
With the playoffs approaching and momentum building, San Miguel aims not just for wins but for consistent, high-level performances that solidify their title contender status.
The San Miguel Beermen are in control of their playoff destiny, but maintaining focus is crucial. With two winnable games ahead, the challenge lies in sustaining intensity and execution.
Fans can look forward to seeing how SMB continues to navigate the eliminations with discipline and depth, while opponents should be wary—this is a team that knows exactly what it wants and is playing like it.