By WAYLON GALVEZ
Arwind Santos of San Miguel Beer tries to save the ball against Ian Sangalang of the Magnolia Hotshots during game 2 of the PBA Philippine Cup Finals Game 2 at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay. (MB photo | Rio Leonelle Deluvio)Arwind Santos is passing up on a sacred family tradition during this time of the year.
With San Miguel Beer engaging sister squad Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok in the race-to-four series in the Philippine Cup, Santos has decided to attend to the needs of the three-time defending champion Beermen.
Instead of spending the Lenten break with his loved ones in some faraway place, Santos went to work yesterday and joined his teammates in a workout at the Acropolis Gym in Quezon City.
“Sa bahay na lang muna kami ng family,” said Santos after attending the team’s practice session “Saka na siguro yung bakasyon namin.”
San Miguel mentor Leo Austria only gave his players a one day rest last Monday following the team’s 92-77 victory against the Hotshots in Game 2 of their finals showdown last Sunday at the Mall of Asia (MOA) Arena in Pasay City.
The win tied the best-of-seven series at 1-1 after the Hotshots stunned the Beermen in the series opener, 105-103. Game 3 is scheduled Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Austria isn’t concerned about the long layoff between Games 2 and 3 as he confidently mentioned how his players handle the situation
“These players are professionals, I know they’re ready to play in Game 3 and I expect them to play with the same intensity on both ends of the court, na nagawa namin in Game 2,” said Austria.
“I’m very happy with the way the players played defense. We limited Magnolia below 40 percent shooting as compared to Game 1. On offense, we have to continue executing our plays,” added Austria.
If there is one key factor Austria sees in the long layoff is the opportunity for his players, particularly Chris Ross who is still recovering from a hip injury, to continue to improve their health.
“Malaking bagay na nakaka-pahinga,” said Austria.