Austria, Beermen go for kill: 'We're smelling the title'

MANILA, Philippines – San Miguel Beer head coach Leo Austria had made it clear over and over again that anything is possible in the PBA Finals.

He made that note once more even if his wards moved one win away to Philippine Cup immortality on Wednesday.

"At 3-1, everything is (still) possible. Alam niyo naman kung anong pinagdaanan namin eh," he said. "But knowing Magnolia, they won't give up until the last buzzer."

But in the same breath, the three-time PBA Coach of the Year made a sweeping declaration. 

"They only have one day to prepare. [That's] really hard, but they will try because this is an opportunity for them to redeem themselves," Austria offered.

"But we're smelling the championship," he declared. "I'm sure my players will be different come Friday's game."

Austria will have a chance to steer his squad to a fourth-straight Philippine Cup title to tie the vaunted Crispa team for the most titles in the prestigious conference. Apropos for personal accolades, he can add to his belt a sixth one in his stint with the San Miguel franchise and in the league.

The Beermen, who botched a Grand Slam bid in the previous conference, can close out the series tonight and restart their quest for another crack at the rare feat when the game tips off tonight at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.