PBA Analysis: SMB is currently in a 0-2 hole because...

 

I wrote this article during the early part of the 4th quarter of game 2 of the semifinals series between San Miguel Beermen and TNT Tropang Giga.

I did not see anything to believe that San Miguel will be able to overcome the double-digit deficit that they have entering the last quarter.

Actually, I am currently witnessing the sudden outburst of Terrence Romeo to keep San Miguel in the game. He is really a special player.

So, why is San Miguel currently 0-2?

Simple. They are very predictable. Almost 75% of their offense is about positioning Junemar Fajardo or Moala Tautuaa as deep as possible in the paint and feeding them.

In fairness to the two giants, they did deliver. The problem though is, the offense became so predictable that the moment TNT stop it, the Beermen is in shambles. 

I will not be shocked if they really do not have that much tertiary, 4th, 5th action in their offense. The main concept of feeding their giants against a team without a strong giant is sound. But, TNT can also adjust to that. And they did.

Instead of providing additional off-the-ball actions that will surely weaken further the defense because of the talent of the players involved, they are tasked to just stand and wait for a kickout.

I chose San Miguel to win this series. The problem is, I forgot that coach Leo Austria never changed that coach Chot Reyes did not even have a hard time thinking of the right strategy to take them down.

But then, the Terrence Romeo magic happened. And instead of a 0-2, they are now tied. But, that will not change the points provided above.

San Miguel is predictable.