MANILA, Philippines —San Mig Coffee clinched the 2013 PBA Governors’ Cup crown Friday, finishing off Petron Blaze with a valiant effort in Game 7, 87-77, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Showing steely resolve as they faced another winner-take-all match, the Mixers completed their conquest for a 10th championship in the PBA even after trailing the equally talented-Boosters twice in this full length finals series.
It was likewise a historic moment for San Mig Coffee’s head coach Tim Cone, who tied the record of legendary mentor Baby Dalupan with 15 titles in the league.
“I’m just incredibly humbled. He’s my idol,” said head coach Tim Cone of leveling with Dalupan, just moments after achieving a milestone. “Our guys really worked hard for this.”
NUKI SABIO/PBA IMAGE
With neither team giving an inch for the first three quarters, the Mixers pushed the lead on a furious rally to 74-65—the biggest of the game aside from the final score—with 8:50 in the fourth quarter.
But even then, San Mig Coffee had to rely on its swarming defense in the last seven minutes to shackle Petron, which was doomed by poor spacing and offense too centered on Elijah Millsap down the stretch.
Marc Pingris shone for the Mixers in their biggest game, chalking up 19 points, hauling down 17 rebounds along with three assists and four steals and a block — and that’s on top of all the intangibles like his relentless hustle.
Import Marcus Blakely also had 19 points, including a game-changing interception of Millsap’s pass for two points and another bucket which built an 82-77 lead with under a minute to play.
The Mixers seemed impervious to the pressures of a game seven, having eight players who were in the roster the last time they fought in rubber match — against Rain or Shine in last year’s edition of this tournament.
Breaking under pressure, though, were the Boosters, who failed to give their impressive campaign in the Governors’ Cup a fitting ending.
Millsap had 25 points and 11 boards for Petron, but couldn’t reprise the hero role it pulled off in game six. June Mar Fajardo, who showcased tremendous promise this finals, added 20 but just two in the payoff period.