PBA: Petron pips Alaska in overtime

MANILA—Petron blew a big early lead and needed some luck in overtime to hammer out an 82-81 decision over Alaska last night in the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City.

After shooting just three points in the first three periods, Jeremy Wise scored a total of 15 in the fourth and in extra time, including the go-ahead charities with 28.4 seconds remaining that pulled the Boosters to a 3-2 record.

The Aces had a chance to win it but muffed two free throws, a three-pointer and a long jumper inside the final 15 seconds. They fell to 2-3 overall in a tie with Powerade.

Playing one of their best games in the tournament, the Tigers outsteadied Rain or Shine, 98-96, in the second game and denied the Elasto Painters the chance to share the lead with Talk ‘N Text.

Will Antonio nailed a three-pointer with 26.2 seconds left that shattered the game’s last tie for a 94-91 Powerade lead and the Tigers eventually dealt the Painters a second loss in five games for a tie with Petron.

Arwind Santos finished with 22 points and 19 rebounds, including a jumper with 2:10 left in the first quarter, as the Boosters zoomed to a 20-8 lead.

Jason Forte led the Aces with 28 points, 18 rebounds and five feeds, while Wesley Gonzales, who drained a three-pointer with 38 seconds left that put them ahead for the last time at 81-80, wound up with 14.

Cyrus Baguio, who shot 11 points after going 0-of-8 from the field in the first three quarters, knocked in a triple with 16.5 ticks left to forge overtime at 73.

Meanwhile, Talk ‘N Text players and some members of its coaching staff were stranded at the Dubai airport because of a mix-up with the OFW group, headed by Ramon Pizarras, which promoted the games there last Thursday and Friday.

The Tropang Texters were able to fly back to Manila on different flights after their respective bookings in the Gulf Air flight were cancelled because of the Pizarras group’s non-payment of fees.

The scores:

First Game
PETRON 82—Santos 22, Wise 18, Pennisi 9, Al-Hussaini 8, Cabagnot 8, Duncil 6, Salvacion 6, Tugade 3, Ildefonso 2, Hubalde 0.
ALASKA 81—Forte 26, Gonzales 14, Dela Cruz 13, Baguio 11, Cablay 5, Tenorio 4, Thoss 4, Borboran 2, Reyes 2, Thiele 0, Custodio 0.
Quarters: 23-14, 36-33, 50-50, 82-81
Second Game
POWERADE 98—David 28, Porter 25, Cruz 10, Quinahan 9,Lanete 7, Macapagal 6, Antonio 6, Anthony 2, Reyes R. 2, Gonzales 2, Reyes J. 1, Allera 0, Rizada 0, Espino 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 96—Rodriguez 19, Reid 17, Arana 14, Chan 13, Norwood 10, Tang 7, Belga 7, Buenafe 6, Ibanes 2, Kramer 1, Vanlandingham 0, Ferriols 0.
Quarters: 16-23, 39-33, 68-62, 98-96