In a post-game revelation, San Miguel Beermen head coach Leo Austria has shed light on a sideline confrontation that caught attention during their crucial Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup finals match. The incident involved Austria and one of his key players, CJ Perez, during the first half of their 95-89 victory over the TNT Tropang Giga on Sunday night, January 25, 2026.
Details of the Sideline Exchange
According to Austria, the heated moment occurred as the Beermen battled for dominance in the high-stakes game, which ultimately gave them a 2-1 advantage in the best-of-seven finals series. The coach acknowledged that tensions flared on the sidelines, leading to a visible dispute with Perez, who is widely regarded as one of the team's top performers.
Mutual Apologies After the Game
However, Austria was quick to clarify that the situation was resolved amicably before the final buzzer. In a statement reported by Spin.ph, he emphasized that both parties extended apologies to each other, mending any rift that may have arisen during the intense competition. "I apologized and he apologized," Austria stated, highlighting the professional and respectful resolution between coach and player.
This incident underscores the high-pressure environment of the PBA Philippine Cup finals, where every play and decision can impact the series outcome. Despite the momentary clash, the Beermen managed to secure a hard-fought win, demonstrating their resilience and teamwork under Austria's leadership.
As the series progresses, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how this dynamic between Austria and Perez evolves, potentially influencing San Miguel's performance in their quest for the championship title.
