MANILA, Philippines – Arwind Santos has not lost hope that San Miguel can get out of its slump and return to playoff contention despite absorbing its fifth loss in 7 games in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

San Miguel currently resides at 10th place in the team standings as it fell victim to fellow cellar-dweller Columbian in a 132-134 overtime defeat on Sunday, June 30. 

“We can’t say that we can catch up in our remaining games. But what will probably prevail, just like what coach Leo Austria said, is our pride,” Santos said in Filipino after finishing with 16 points and 8 rebounds. 

“Are we going to allow ourselves to lose in our remaining games or are we going to fight? Are we going to try to grab that little chance that it’s not over? If a door closes, a window opens. What will happen depends on us.” 

Momentum were on the side of the Beermen after Santos sent the game to overtime with a three-pointer with a second left in regulation.

But the Dyip regained control in the extra period to hand their foes their second straight loss. 

“Kia (Columbian) really played well. But I can say that we’re not 100% yet. We showcased bad defense, the score was high. That’s not the San Miguel we know,” Santos said. 

Initially targetting a top 6 finish to avoid a twice-to-beat disadvantage in the quarterfinals, Santos said the Beermen have turned their goals down a notch as long as they avoid an early exit.

“We’re now 2-5, just like Christmas. We’re not happy being 2-5. But if we get into the top 8, even the 8th position, we’ll be okay,” he said. 

“We’ll now dream of being at 8th place and then we’ll face the No. 1 team with a twice-to-beat advantage. We’ll try to beat them. That’s where we’ll start. We won’t dream big, we’ll start small first.” 

San Miguel faces a must-win situation in its last 4 games starting against NLEX at the Mall of Asia Arena on Friday, July 5. – Rappler.com