AT LEAST in its first game, San Miguel Beer showed the entire PBA Philippine Cup field what makes it tick, and – in all likelihood – what it will use on the way to winning a fourth straight title.
The Beermen’s starting unit scored all but nine of their points in an authoritative 104-96 decision of Phoenix Petroleum at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday night as coach Leo Austria made it obvious that he will be going with his old guns who have brought the franchise thus much success here.
Cebuano June Mar Fajardo, the reigning four-time MVP, scored 23 points, had 16 rebounds and four blocks, while Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter combined for another 22 as the Beermen proved too much to handle for the smaller Fuel Masters.
“The first win is really hard (to get), especially because everyone is preparing very hard for us,” Austria said, acknowledging that San Miguel will be playing with the proverbial bull’s eye in its back this conference – if not for the entire season.
“The field improved their rosters and they battle cry is to beat San Miguel Beer,” Austria went on. “But every time there’s pressure, my players play with the sense of urgency. They are still hungry (to win) the title.”
No team in the league’s 42-year history has ever won the Philippine Cup four straight years, and aside from the pressure dealt by the opposition in trying to bring down the Beermen, this one could be greater.
“This win gives us a lot of confidence and I would like to believe the pre-season hype (on us),” Austria said. “But we have to work hard for that and I have complete confidence in my players, as long as they are in shape.”
Jeff Chan paced the Fuel Masters with 18.
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