Leo Austria confirms Bennie Boatwright is still adjusting to the humid conditions in Manila

The San Miguel Beermen are still searching for consistency in the ongoing 2026 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup, with the perennial contenders finding themselves in an uncharacteristic seventh place at the midway point of the eliminations. The Beermen carry a 5–5 win-loss record, a standing that falls short of their traditionally high championship expectations.

Despite the uneven start, San Miguel appears to be trending upward at a crucial stage of the conference. That momentum was on full display on Wednesday, April 28, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, where the Beermen delivered a convincing 103–92 victory over the Meralco Bolts. The win showcased a balanced offensive effort, with multiple players stepping up in key moments to secure a much-needed result.

The Beermen’s production was spread across the roster, led by veteran anchor June Mar Fajardo, alongside import Bennie Boatwright, guard CJ Perez, forward Chris Trollano, and big man Mo Tautuaa—all finishing in double figures as San Miguel controlled the game from the middle quarters onward.

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A key development in the Beermen’s recent resurgence has been the arrival of Boatwright, who replaced Justin Patton as the team’s import. His presence has helped stabilize the offense and provide additional spacing, though his latest outing highlighted both his impact and ongoing adjustment period in the league.

Against Meralco, Boatwright struggled with efficiency, shooting just 5-of-20 from the field and missing all seven attempts from beyond the arc. However, he still managed to contribute 16 points and 11 rebounds, underscoring his ability to affect the game even when his shot is not falling. His performance reflected a mix of rust and adaptation as he continues to find rhythm within San Miguel’s system.

Javee Mocon admits struggles guarding Bennie Boatwright as Meralco heads into a tough stretch, including a key clash with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel. l Via Rog Nicolas III#FastBreak #PBA #SanMiguelBeermen #MeralcoBolts pic.twitter.com/7kbgO54LjK

— Fastbreak (@fastbreaknewsph) April 29, 2026

Head coach Leo Austria addressed the import’s uneven start postgame, pointing to the challenging conditions and adjustment period as key factors in Boatwright’s sluggish opening stretch.

“I noticed from him, very sluggish siya eh, especially during practice. Maybe he is still adjusting to our weather. Bennie, after this game, I think he will realize na he needs to perform well especially in the next two games namin, which is a must-win for us to get into the next round,” Austria said in the postmatch press conference.

Austria’s remarks raised some eyebrows among observers, particularly given Boatwright’s previous stint with the franchise during the 2023–24 Commissioner’s Cup, where he played a pivotal role in leading the Beermen to a championship title. His familiarity with the team and league had led many to expect a quicker transition back into peak form.

For his part, Boatwright acknowledged that his rhythm is still a work in progress, especially as he adjusts to heavy playing minutes in a demanding conference schedule. He has been logging approximately 40 minutes per game, a workload that has tested his conditioning and timing early in the tournament.

“Just part of the game. Just getting back used to playing all these minutes and just getting adjusted. Simply just get back in the gym, and I will be ready for the next game,” Boatwright said after the win.

As the Commissioner’s Cup standings tighten, the Beermen now face a critical stretch that could define their campaign. With limited room for error, San Miguel will look to build on their recent win as they prepare for a must-win clash against the Terrafirma Dyip on Wednesday, May 6, still at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

With playoff positioning on the line, the Beermen’s mix of veteran leadership, returning chemistry, and import adjustment will be tested further as they attempt to steer their season back toward championship contention.

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