Alex Cabagnot credits SMB coach Leo Austria for confidence in hitting game-winner

Alex Cabagnot played hero in the San Miguel Beermen's 88-87 win over the NorthPort Batang Pier in the opening game of their best-of-three quarterfinals series in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday.

Cabagnot sank the game-winner, an answer to Robert Bolick's midcourt shot,  despite joining the Beermen only for the first time since recovering from a knee injury. With this, he credits his confidence in his return to their head coach Leo Austria.

"He could have not easily played me tonight because of all what's going on, I haven't practiced. But he gave me the trust, he even let me out there so thank you, coach," Cabagnot said in the post-game conference.

"I had apprehensions but in true fashion, like a great coach, he just gave me full confidence. My apprehensions went away and I just started having fun."

Cabagnot said the winning shot was just a way to pay back Austria's confidence in him. Austria himself knew that the veteran guard will come back in good shape.

"Before we [went] to Pampanga, he told me, 'Coach, hindi ako magpapabaya. Kilala ko siya. Alam ko pagbalik niya, he will be in shape," Austria said.

(Before we went to Pampanga, here, he told me, 'Coach, I'll not be negligent.' I know him. I knew that when he comes back, he will be in shape.)

"He told me he will be back and I know for the fact na siya ay nagpapakondisyon. He's very professional, alam niya ang gagawin niya," the SMB head coach added.

(He told me he will be back and I know for the fact he is training to be conditioned. He's very professional, he knows what to do.)

Austria said Cabagnot's return came at the right time, and they didn't need to do too much bring him up to speed. "Once he gets into the court, no more adjustments are needed because for the past five years, he knows the system," Austria said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Cabagnot also praised Bolick who almost stole the win for NorthPort.

"Chris Ross is one of the best, if not the best guard defenders in the history of PBA. When he (Bolick) made the shot, it's a testament to his hard work," he said.

"With these younger guys coming in, you want the best for them. I want the best for him and hopefully, [he] continues his hard work. We can see it now and hopefully we can see more in the future."

Cabagnot led the Beermen with 20 points to inch closer to a semis slot in the All-Filipino conference.

—JMB, GMA News