“Wala sa amin iyon,” said Austria, referring to his team’s seven-game roll. “Ang tinitingnan namin iyung continuously mag-improve para whatever happens pagdating namin sa quarterfinals handa kami. Iyun ang goals namin. Iyung streak icing lang iyon.”
How realizable those SMB objectives are would be known Tuesday when it collides with slumping Blackwater at 4:15 p.m. in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
A win should cement the Beermen’s claim to one of the top four slots and its accompanying twice-to-win advantage in the ensuing quarterfinals. It would also practically eliminate the Elite from contending for one of the eight quarterfinals slots.
At first glance, Blackwater seems as good as doomed since it has lost four straight and is mired at the cellar. But Austria is not one to take anything for granted.
“We should never underestimate Blackwater since halos lahat ng laro nila, good start,” stressed Austria.
“Isa pa, kahit nasa bottom ang mga iyan kapag tinalo kami para na ring nag-champion ang mga iyan kaya we really have to come with our A-game,” added Austria.
Watch San Miguel vs Blackwater June 16, 2015 Governor's Cup PBA Replay Tuesday
Arizona Reid had an impressive triple-double with 39 points, 10 rebounds and 12 assists to lead the Beermen while June Mar Fajardo added 20.
Marcio Lassiter finished with 17 and Ronald Tubid chipped in with 13 in the win.
Red-hot San Miguel improved to a league-best 8-2 while Blackwater sank further down the standings at 1-8 following a fifth straight defeat.
SAN MIGUEL VS BLACKWATER [follow this link]
The scores:
SAN MIGUEL 115 – Reid 39, Fajardo 20, Lassiter 17, Tubid 13, Santos 9, Lutz 6, Reyes 5, Ross 2, Fortuna 2, Omolon 2, Cabagnot 0, Espinas 0, Semerad 0.
BLACKWATER 83 - Cousin 25, Heruela 15, Cervantes 11, Reyes 7, Faundo 6, Erram 6, Gamalinda 4, Bulawan 3, Celiz 2, Ballesteros 2, Laure 2, Timberlake 0, Golla 0, Acuna 0, Salvacion 0.
Quarters: 32-14, 59-42, 80-67, 115-83