San Miguel Beer head coach Leo Austria’s homecoming at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup brought back many memorable memories from his early days as a player.

That’s why when he got into the historic venue for the Beermen’s rematch against last year’s finals tormentor reigning champion Meralco last Wednesday on the league’s 50th anniversary feature, Austria didn’t even bother to ask for directions to where their dugout was located.

Like the back of his hand, he knew every corner of the 91-year-old structure built during the American occupation.

“When I got here, I knew where to go. I’m having goosebumps while reminiscing about my time here,” the 67-year-old mentor said.

Austria couldn’t help but look back at the time when he considered the Vito Cruz venue as his home turf. A gym that witnessed his greatest achievements in his then budding basketball career.

“For me, when I arrived here at the Rizal Memorial (Coliseum), a lot of memorable moments flashed back,” the nine-time PBA champion tactician said.

Austria recalled his moments of triumph on the floor of the coliseum.

“During my amateur days, most of my games were played in Rizal Memorial. When I was in Lyceum (of the Philippines University), we won our championship here in Rizal Memorial. And in Masagana 99 (in the Philippine Amateur Basketball League), we won six consecutive championships in the national seniors,” he said.

“That’s why Rizal Memorial was really dear to me.”

The Beermen did not spoil Austria’s homecoming as San Miguel scored a payback over the Bolts, 110-98, for back-to-back wins in as many games.

“Before this game, I really wanted to win because there’s something special about this place,” Austria, who replaced Jorge Gallent during the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup, said.

Eight-time Most Valuable Player and PBA 50 Greatest Player member June Mar Fajardo led the way with a double-double of 28 points and 10 rebounds while CJ Perez added 29 markers in San Miguel’s revenge win in the match that had a nostalgic feel as both teams wore their retro jerseys.

“I’m so happy with the players because they didn’t give up when Meralco was making a rally. But I expected them to do well because during practice, it’s evident that they wanted to win,” Austria said.

“We instilled into the minds of our players that for us to win, we have to work harder. A lot of teams are playing really well and are now catching up with the kind of talent they have. They have leveled up. This is an all-Filipino and it’s not easy to get a win. We have to step up to the next level for us to win.”