Read: Alaska grabs 2-0 lead with win over Beermen
Unfortunately for the defending champions, their top gun June Mar Fajardo remains hobbled by a knee injury he suffered before the best-of-seven title series started.
And they have to live with that for at least one more contest as the 6-10 giant is still doubtful for Game 3 on Friday (Janury 22).
But even without the reigning league MVP to rely on, coach Leo Austria believes all hope is not lost for the Beermen.
“May chance pa rin naman, huwag lang papasok sa isip nila (Beermen) na it’s hard to beat Alaska because wala si June Mar,” Austria said.
PHOTOS: PBA finals Alaska vs. SMB (Game 2)
Game 2, which the Beermen almost won, actually gave San Miguel Beer the much-needed boost as they try to avert disaster and finally pick up their first victory in the series.
“They realized na they can beat Alaska, pero hindi lang kami nagkaroon ng magandang break nung huli,” Austria said of Tuesday’s loss that boiled down to the final possession.
Austria is also banking on homecourt advantage as Game 3 will be played in Lucena, his hometown.
“I hope na makatulong yung homecourt advantage at sana mag-cheer sa amin yung crowd,” he said.
Read: Aces draw first blood, outlast Beermen
Manning up
In the absence of Fajardo, Alaska’s Vic Manuel has made the shaded area his playground.
Manuel has been a strong candidate for the Finals MVP plum with his stellar showing in the first two games, averaging 21 points and six rebounds while leading the Aces to a 2-0 start.
“He’s been our leading scorer and he led us again today. It’s fantastic,” said Alaska coach of his prized forward in the aftermath of Game 2.
But the Nueva Ecija native is keeping his feet on the ground, deflecting the possibility of winning the award. For him, a championship is much more important. After all, he wouldn’t cop it without his team winning the series first.
“Nagkakataon lang talaga na binibigyan ako ng confidence ni coach. Nagkakataon lang na may open lane, may easy basket.,” Manuel said.
“Wala akong ma-comment diyan (sa Finals MVP) kasi gusto ko mag-champion kami. Yun lang importante sa akin, makaisa man lang.”
PHOTOS: PBA finals Alaska vs. SMB (Game 1)
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The San Miguel Beermen found themselves in a 0-2 hole against the Alaska Aces in the Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup finals, and it’s during times like this that they badly need their main man to salvage them from the jaws of defeat.
