Petron Blaze Boosters makes enters the Finals vs. TnT

Arwind Santos

Source : PBA.ph

Though emotionally down, Barangay Ginebra came out to win its last game in the season and, thus,
helped Petron Blaze clinch the second berth in the PBA Governors Cup finals Friday night at the
Smart Araneta Coliseum.

As the Kings got past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 103-95, the Boosters gained the rights to

challenge the Talk n Text Tropang Texters in the best-of-seven finale beginning with Game One at 7

p.m. Sunday in the same venue.

Game Two is on Wednesday at the Mindanao Sports and Civic Center in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Earlier in the night, Petron dropped the ax on Ginebra as the Boosters whipped the Talk n Text

Tropang Texters, 98-83.

Ginebra later came to Petron’s aid, eliminating the Alaska Aces through its win over Rain or

Shine.

Victories by Petron and Ginebra forged a three-way tie at second among the Boosters, the Kings and

the Aces at 8-5.

In applying the quotient tiebreak system, Petron emerged the best with 1.040, Alaska next with 1.020

and Ginebra last with .950.

“We did what we had to do. We’re here to win games,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

“Yun nga lang there’s something lacking. It’s something new in my coaching career. It’s ok

if you lose. But we won and we’re out,” Uichico added. “Pero ganon talaga. Pasok sana kami had

we won more games.”

Uichico was ready to move forward, hoping his team wins a championship next season.

He foresees a close game between Talk n Text and Petron.

“Petron matches up with them pretty well. Talk n text thrives with their energy and hustle. Petron

has the players to sustain that type of game,” said Uichico.

Though playing minus injured import Arizona Reid, the Elasto Painters dragged the Kings in a close

battle.

The Kings eventually pulled through and handed the Boosters a finals berth on a strong finish

starring Mike Cortez who sizzled with all of his 16 points in the final canto.

Ronald Tubid paced Ginebra with 18 with John Wilson also putting in 16 and Eric Menk and Mark

Caguioa combining for 24.

Beau Belga led all scorers with 20 points while Larry Rodriguez delivered double-double numbers with

12 markers and 11 boards.

Rain or Shine finished with a 6-7 mark. (SB)

The scores:

Ginebra 103 - Tubid 18, Wilson J. 16, Cortez 16, Menk 14, Caguioa 10, De Ocampo 9, Sloan 6, Wilson

W. 6, Canaleta 4, Intal 2, Mamaril 2, Labagala 0, Aquino 0, Helterbrand 0.

Rain or Shine 95 - Belga 20, Rodriguez 12, Buenafe 11, Cruz 10, Norwood 9, Chan 8, Arana 8,

Vanlandingham 5, Ferriols 4, Jazul 3, Matias 3, Ibanes 2, Tang 0.

Quarterscores: 23-19, 46-42, 73-65, 103-95