Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — After Alaska trailed by as much as 18 points in the first half of Game 1 of the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup finale, everyone was expecting a vintage Aces comeback that would turn a catch-up game into a swashbuckling contest.
But it never happened.
In fact, San Miguel Beer’s lead even ballooned to as big as 30 points.
Beermen coach Leo Austria was as surprised as everyone else inside the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday (July 10) as his team blasted the Aces, 108-78.
“Hindi ko rin alam (how we won by a huge margin),” said Austria moments after the opening game of the best-of-seven duel.
“Ine-expect ko it will be a tough game. Pero parang mas energetic kami sa kanila.”
Indeed, the Beermen came out with more energy and confidence, wrapping up the opening quarter with a 13-point edge, 35-22.
“I’m surprised. Knowing Alaska, sila yung physical na team dito,” said Austria.
The champion coach added his team didn’t engage the Aces in a physical tussle.
“Hindi namin pinrovoke physicality kasi we want to promote clean basketball para ma-expose talents ng players,” he said.
“Ayoko rin may masaktan sa both teams.”
Nonetheless, Austria is expecting Alaska to bounce back stronger in Game 2 on Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“One game lang ito. I’m expecting them (Aces) to bounce back kasi pivotal to,” he said.
