Cone "outclassed" by Austria in semis Game 4

Scottie Thompson went 0-for-2 from deep, part of Ginebra's woes from beyond the arc. PBA Media Bureau

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--For someone who holds an unprecedented number of PBA titles as well as the most number of grand slams in the league, it is rare to hear the top tier cagefest's winningest coach telling the media that he was outclassed by the opponent's gaffer.

But Coach Tim Cone exactly said that on Thursday night following Ginebra's bad beat over San Miguel in Game 4 of the PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena.

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"They just took it to us. It was brilliant coaching by Coach Leo [Austria]. They played well. On the other hand, it was terrible coaching by me. [I was] just totally out-coached and outclassed today," rued Cone.

After holding the Beermen to only 35 percent shooting in Game 3, the Barangay let them score 51 percent of their baskets.

Worse, they could not buy a basket outside, only making four triples out of 21 attempts, and credit that to the Beermen going zone on them defensively.

"We didn't figure out their zone early and gave that zone life," Cone continued.

He then took the blame, saying, "It really comes down to brilliant adjustment by Coach Leo that we weren't prepared for.... That's on me."

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