SMB coach Leo Austria is ready whatever game plan his counterpart Chito Victolero will throw in Game 5 of their best-of-seven PBA Philippine Cup championship series at the MOA Arena on Friday.
"Every game naman meron kaming pinaplanong adjustment", admitted Austria after winning Game 4, 84-80 against Magnolia Ang Pambansang Manolia.
Austria said the adjustment will, of course, depend on the game plan Magnolia will throw against them.
"Gagawa lamang kami ng adjustment kung anong klaseng game plan ang gagawin nila sa Game 5", said Austria.
Austria said in Game 4, Magnolia had a good start and successful in defending June Mar Fajardo, who was limited to only two points in the first quarter.
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The SMB coach said he will still use Gabby Espinas, Brian Heruela and Matt Ganuelas Rosser despite their poor performances in Game 4.
The trio scored a combined six points in Game 4 which was way below their combined output in Game 3.
"I need them because my starters cannot survive playing longer minutes against Magnolia na ang intensiyon ay pagurin sila. Kelangan talaga nila ng pahinga", said Austria.
Among Magnolia's key men, Austria said aside from Ian Sanggalang and Paul Lee they have to watch out for Mark Barroca.
"Si Barroca na ang pinaka-consistent sa kanila. Nakita naman natin sa Game 4 kung anong na-contribute niya. Luckily dahil aware naman ang mga players ko na-stop nila 'yung few shots niya sa huli", said Austria.
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Austria said he will assign Arwind Santos against Sanggalang in Game 5 because he doesn't want Fajardo to get into foul trouble.
In Game 3, Austria said Santos was successful in containing Sanggalang.
On the part of coach Chito Victolero, he said they will find a way to stop SMB from getting the all-Filipino 4-peat which was first achieved by the Crispa Redmanizers 34 years ago. (Zaldy Perez)
