San Miguel head coach Jorge Gallent marveled over the Beermen’s readiness to step up when the need arises as they go after their 29th franchise title.  

In Game 5 of the 2023-24’ PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals series against the Magnolia Hotshots on Sunday, Feb. 11, the Beermen broke out of the series deadlock and reclaimed a 3-2 lead to near their first championship victory since 2022.  

The 55-year-old veteran mentor, who is vying for his first title in his maiden head coaching stint with San Miguel which he assumed just last year from Leo Austria, was nothing short of pleased to see his players deliver. 

“When [Magnolia] made the run, we were just there. We made certain mistakes, but we made up for them. We forget about our mistakes and just think of the next play like what the players did,” Gallent said. 

Though proud, Gallent refused to let his squad become overconfident in closing out the series and avoiding a possible do-or-die as it previously led to its back-to-back losses. 

“It’s about just being confident but not being overconfident. Maybe in Game 3 and 4, we were overconfident that it brought us down again. Confidence is good, but overconfidence is bad. That’s what happened to us in the past game,” he said. 

With Jericho Cruz’s play-off career-best performance, Simon Enciso taking on a starting role along with June Mar Fajardo, who was previously enduring a calf pain, all coming up huge in Game 5, all that’s left for Gallent to ask for was they remain composed in the next game.  

Expecting a Magnolia fightback, the Beermen’s response determine their fate. 

“They just have to be composed, we just have to be relax but we cannot commit turnovers just like that. Because Magnolia will really take advantage. Just thinking about the next play [and moving past mistakes], good things happen,” said Gallent.

“The two-day break will also help us, so it’s very good for both teams. We expect them to do the same and try to overwork us. We’re just gonna be prepared for what’s coming in Game 6.”