San Miguel Beer coach Leo Austria points to the sweltering Philippine heat as a primary reason for import Bennie Boatwright’s recent scoring struggle, despite a win against Meralco.
San Miguel Beer head coach Leo Austria has pointed to the unforgiving summer heat as a major factor behind import Bennie Boatwright’s recent shooting struggles. The newcomer, who had previously been lighting up the scoreboard, found himself unable to find his rhythm during a recent outing.
Boatwright managed only 16 points during the team’s latest victory against the Meralco Bolts, a performance that fell well short of his initial 39-point per game average.. The former USC Trojan struggled significantly from the floor, connecting on only five of his 20 field goal attempts and missing all six of his shots from beyond the arc.. While his offensive output dipped, the Beermen were saved by a dominant display from June Mar Fajardo, who anchored the team with 21 points and 17 rebounds.
The impact of climate on performance
Austria noted that the lethargy displayed by his import was not an isolated incident but rather a symptom of the intense environmental conditions currently sweeping through the country.. The seasoned tactician observed that the team has been dealing with various health setbacks, including bouts of fever and flu, which have hampered their collective training efforts.
Beyond just the immediate physical toll, such atmospheric challenges often disrupt the physiological rhythm of professional athletes accustomed to different climates.. When core body temperatures remain elevated due to external humidity, recovery times lengthen and explosive movements become harder to sustain.. This ‘sluggishness’ that the coaching staff identified is a frequent hurdle for foreign imports who are not yet fully acclimated to the specific tropical stressors found in the Philippines during the summer months.
Path to the playoffs
Despite these physical obstacles, the Beermen remain fixated on their goal of securing a spot in the upcoming quarterfinals.. With an even 5-5 standing, the team is currently holding onto the seventh seed but faces immense pressure to perform in their final two elimination games.. The recent win over Meralco—a team often viewed as a legitimate contender for a top-four finish—serves as a reminder that San Miguel can still rely on its local core even when its primary offensive weapon is off target.
As the team prepares for their upcoming matchups against Terrafirma and Phoenix, the internal focus remains on conditioning and tactical consistency.. Austria expressed confidence that Boatwright will eventually regain his shooting touch as he adjusts to the environment and understands the gravity of the upcoming schedule.. With the playoffs looming, the ability of the Beermen to maintain their defensive intensity and share the scoring burden will be the true test of their championship pedigree.. The organization understands that every possession in these final games carries the weight of their postseason future, and they are committed to ensuring their rotation is as prepared as possible for the challenges ahead.