Austria lauds Lassiter’s ‘presence of mind’ as SMB seizes commanding lead vs. Ginebra

The San Miguel Beermen seized a commanding 2-0 lead in their best of seven series against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on Sunday, 104-102, prompting SMB head coach Leo Austria to sing praises for his squad.

“My players, talagang ayaw nila magpatalo and kaya salute ako sa kanila,” said Austria after the game.

“I’m sorry for my players dahil extended and minutes nila unilike in the first game. This time I think may nakaabot ng 50 o 48 minutes. This game is very important. Kung gusto nila magpahinga, tomorrow puwede naman magpahinga. They played with a lot of heart and guts. Maybe because they are used to this kind of situation,” he added.

Ginebra found themselves ahead 95-90 in the final minute, but June Mar Fajardo connected on two charities, while Arwind Santos pulled up for a cold-blooded triple to send the game into overtime.

Fajardo and Marcio Lassiter combined for 58 big points in the win, while Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross tallied 12 each. Arwind Santos rounded up the scorers in double figures with 11.

Tied in the dying seconds of extra time, Lassiter went for a pick and roll with Fajardo, dishing to the big man at the end. Fajardo missed the layup, but Lassiter was there to tip the ball back in and give his team the victory.

After the game, Austria took the time to commend Lassiter on his presence of mind in the last play: “Chamba e. Instrinct na ni Marcio yun e. On the first part of the play, nagkaroon na ng opportunity. [Si] Marcio talaga ang kukuha ng bola. He executed it well. It happened na June Mar na-miss niya yung layup but the presence of mind of Marcio is always there; na put-back niya. Sabi ko nga chamba pero tatanggapin ko na maluwag sa kalooban dahil a win is a win.”

Japeth Aguilar paced Ginebra with 28 points, while Prince Caperal added 26 markers in his breakout game. Joe Devance chipped in 11, while Scottie Thompson and Jervy Cruz had 10 each.

Game 3 will be on Tuesday at the Mall of Asia Arena. — RSJ, GMA News