Petron defeats San Mig Coffee, takes PBA finals to game 7

By: Celest R. Flores - 11 years ago

Petron Blaze stretched the finals to a winner-take-all game seven after an exciting 99-88 victory over San Mig Coffee Wednesday in the 2013 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. VIDEO BY RYAN LEAGOGO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Petron Blaze stretched the finals to a winner-take-all game seven after a 99-88 victory over San Mig Coffee Wednesday in the 2013 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Boosters finally broke out of a slump and back on track in their bid for a 20th championship after losing back-to-back, a first this conference.

But Petron needed to quell San Mig’s persistent comebacks in the second half, and Elijah Millsap had to summon a tireless performance in fourth to keep the Boosters’ season live.

Elijah Millsap of Petron (dark) vs Alex Mallari of San Mig Coffee (light). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

After the Mixers took the lead, 82-80, with 6:40 to play and put the 16 point deficit behind them, Millsap just took over for the Boosters.

“In crunch time, Elijah proved he’s a leader,” said head coach Gee Abanilla of his import who had 30 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Millsap either took the ball strong to the hoop or swished in jumpshots to counter whatever San Mig’s PJ Simon threw at Petron.

He gave the lead back for good, 87-86, with 4:46 to play then Chris Lutz, Alex Cabagnot and Marcio Lassiter finished the work as Petron took advantage of costly miscues for San Mig.

The Mixers had their chances to net their 10th crown, going on a 19-6 blast to open the payoff period, but just couldn’t get the job done down the stretch.

Marqus Blakely churned out 21 points and 11 rebounds for the Mixers, while Joe Devance and James Yap added 17 apiece.

The missing link, though, was Marc Barroca — a frontrunner for the finals’ Most Valuable Player award — who was saddled with fouls and had zero scoring output.

Game seven, a fitting ending to this back-and-forth finals series, is slated on Friday at the same venue.