MANILA, Philippines—Jayjay Helterbrand hit a heavily-contested shot at the buzzer to push Ginebra past Petron, 84-82, Sunday night in the 37th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the frenzied Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Helterbrand looked as if he didn’t have anywhere to go as he was hounded by Petron’s seven-foot import Nicholas Fazekas.
But keeping his composure, the veteran playmaker was able to put up a long leaner over the outstretched arms of Fazekas as time expired and the delight of the 12,000 plus crowd.
Helterbrand finished with 11 points and had seven assists while returning import Chris Alexander had 21 points and 24 rebounds for the Gin Kings.
Petron drew big numbers from Fazekas, who fueled the Boosters rally from 22 points down.
Fazekas paced Petron with 37 points, including a game-tying triple with 3.9 seconds left, and grabbed 17 boards.
Earlier, Alaska turned back Rain or Shine, 109-102, behind Cyrus Baguio’s 25 points and seven assists.