Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — “It’s unbelievable.”
These were San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria’s first words after his team trounced the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 101-95, in Game 1 of their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup semifinals at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The Beermen had to overcome a 24-point deficit to take the headstart in the best-of-five duel on Thursday (July 2).
Austria said it was a collective effort on defense, but he singled out Alex Cabagnot as the spark plug that spearheaded the Beermen’s comeback.
Cabagnot shot three three-pointers on his way to 15 points, 11 of which came in the second half. He also dished out eight assists.
For Austria, this was Cabagnot’s first stellar showing after a long while.
“I give credit to my players especially Alex,” Austria said.
“Finally, after a long while, nakita namin uli yung kanyang true worth. But it’s still a team effort especially sa defense.”
San Miguel took control in the final three minutes of the final frame, breaking free from 95-all by scoring six straight points capped by import Arizona Reid’s floater.
Reid finished with 22 points in his first playoff game against his former team.
Marcio Lassiter caught fire in the first half and went on to rake in 22 points. June Mar Fajardo, despite being hounded by foul trouble in the early going, had 20 points and 10 rebounds.
Rain or Shine was led by import Wendell McKines’ 33 points, while Paul Lee added 19 markers.
