Game Monday:
Araneta Coliseum
6:30 p.m. – Petron vs. Talk ‘N Text
The Cinderella story continued for Gary David and the rest of the Powerade Tigers as they took a 2-1 series lead after defeating the Rain or Shine (RoS) Elasto Painters, 104-99, in overtime in Game 2 of the best-of-seven semifinals encounter of the PBA Philippine Cup yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
David, nicknamed “El Granada” for his explosive offensive exploits, did not disappoint as he scored 31 points and had six rebounds and three assists.
It was the fifth straight game wherein he scored 30 points or more.
Making the feat even more special were the 20 points he scored in the fourth period and overtime that ultimately made the difference in the tightly contested match.
“Nangako ako sa pamilya ko na mananalo kami. Di ko pwedeng sirain pangako ko sa pamilya ko,” said David in his post-game interview.
Powerade actually had control of the lead in the third period, where they led by 10 on several occassions, thanks to the three-pointers that were made by rookie Marcio Lassiter.
The Tigers still held a 69-64 lead heading to the fourth quarter but the Elasto Painters persevered and reclaimed the lead behind the hustle of TY Tang, Jervy Cruz, Larry Rodriguez and the shooting of rookie sensation Paul Lee.
All signs pointed to a win by the Rain or Shine as it led, 95-89, with 1:57 left in regulation after a free-throw by Beau Belga.
But Powerade had David hit a trey and was followed by a lay-in by Sean Anthony that sliced the deficit to one, 94-95.
RoS still had several chances to put the game on ice but Cruz and Jeff Chan each split their charities for a 97-94 lead with 14.6 seconds left.
In Powerade’s next offensive, David fished a foul off Lee while attempting a three-pointer. He then calmly made the corresponding free-throws to tie the game at 97-all.
RoS and Powerade each had chances to win the game outright but Belga and Doug Kramer’s attempts for their respective teams went awry.
RoS drew drew first blood in overtime off a jumper by Gabe Norwood but that was all they could muster in overtime while David scored a long-jumper and a lay-up and Kramer converted a short stab that gave the Tigers the lead for good.
Lee paced the Elasto Painters with 19 .