Leo Austria made sure San Miguel would emerge victorious over Meralco during the PBA's 50th anniversary at the historic Rizal Memorial Coliseum.
Upon arriving at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum on Wednesday, April 9, as the PBA celebrated its 50th birthday, San Miguel coach Leo Austria could not help but look back on his heydays as a player.
Being inside the historic venue, Austria felt like playing again for Lyceum and Masagana 99.
“For me, dumating ako dito sa Rizal Memorial, maraming memorable moments for me,” Austria said after his San Miguel and counterpart Luigi Trillo's Meralco went retro for the league's golden treat for the fans.
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After winning countless games and memorable championships at RMC as a player, the nine-time PBA champion coach holds the venue close to his heart.
“In my amateur days, most of my games were played at Rizal Memorial when I was at Lyceum. We won the championship in Masagana, we won six championships,” he said.
“That’s why Rizal Memorial is very dear to me. That’s why when I got here, I knew where to go. Nag-goosebumps ako kasi reminiscing.”
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That served as an extra motivation for Austria to come away with the win, which translated to the Beermen's zapping of the Bolts, 110-98, that hiked their mark to 2-0 in the Season 49 Philippine Cup.
“That’s why before this game, I really wanted to win because there’s something special about this place,” Austria said.
“I’m so happy for the players because they didn’t give up noong lumalamang kami at hinabol kami. But I’m expecting them to do well because in practice, it's very evident na they want to win.”