Leo Austria: Fajardo, Tautuaa are ‘two different animals’

ANGELES CITY – San Miguel, coach Leo Austria, knows well that Mo Tautuaa is not yet on par with June Mar Fajardo’s level.

As he put it with a laugh, “They are two different animals.”

“There are a lot of things that you have to polish,” Austria said. “June Mar is a six-time MVP. So there is no discussion. ”

But the eight-time PBA champion highlighted the importance of Tautuaa in defending the Beermen Philippine Cup title, especially with Fajardo out of the bubble to complete his recovery from a knee injury.

That was clearly evident in San Miguel’s first bubble win at the expense of Terrafirma bad luck, 105-98, on Monday at the University of Angeles Foundation Sports and Cultural Center, powered by Smart 5G.

The 6-foot-8 center made his presence felt on the inside as he worked his way to a game-high 25 points on an efficient 8-of-11 shooting from the field to go with six rebounds, three assists and a block at 39. minutes of play.

Fil-Tongan’s big man held the fort for the Beermen as the Dyips attempted to mount a comeback before veterans Arwind Santos and Marcio Lassiter took command late in the game to break their two-game bubble drift en route. to a 2- 2 record.

“’Yung nilalaro ni Mo is a good help to the team,” said 62-year-old Austria, who could only hope that Tautuaa maintains its strong production.

“That’s what we need in the team, the threat of the big man in the post. And Mo showed it before. I hope what he’s doing is going well. “