NOSTALGIA was truly in the air when the PBA held its 50th Anniversary Twin-Bill at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum last Wednesday.
But the sentimentality was 10-fold for San Miguel Beermen coach Leo Austria, who personally considered the historic venue in Malate, Manila "home."
"Nung dumating ako dito sa Rizal Memorial talagang maraming memorable moments for me," Austria shared after leading the Beermen to a 110-98 romp of Meralco in the highlight "retro" game of the league's golden bash.
"During my amateur days, most of my games were played at Rizal Memorial. When I was with Lyceum, we won the championship at Rizal Memorial and then with Masagana, we won six consecutive championships in the National Seniors. So Rizal Memorial is really dear to me," he said.
Thus, Austria had the strongest desire to pick up the W at the place that was like a goldmine during his playing years.
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"When I got here, nagka-goosebumps ako, parang reminiscing, ganyan. Before this game, I really wanted to win because there's something special in this place," he said.
And the Beermen responded with that vengeful victory against the very squad that beat them for the Season 48 All-Filipino crown last year.
"I'm so happy with the players because they didn't give up even noong hinabol kami," said Austria. "But I'm expecting them to do well because in practice it's very evident na they wanted to win."
The winning result put SMB (2-0) in a two-way tie for the early lead with fellow unbeaten Magnolia ahead of their dogfight on Wednesday. (OL)
