All-season long, so much was expected from Gary David, Jvee Casio and Marcio Lassiter.
And in a make-or-break game, the deadly triumvirate did not let the Powerade Tigers down.
Considered as the team’s “Big Three,” the trio once again came up productive as they powered the Tigers to a 107-98 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to advance to the Finals of the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.
The Tigers advanced to the Finals for the first time in nine years, wrapping up the best-of-seven series, 4-3.
They will face the defending champions Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, who defeated Petron Blaze in the other semis pairing, 92-91.
Casio netted 25 points, going five-for-seven from the three-point land while handing out five assists. David scattered 24 points, while Lassiter came away with 17 points for the Tigers, who are looking to become the lowest seed to win a championship.
The Tigers started their journey in the playoffs by overhauling a twice-to-beat disadvantage against the number one seed B-Meg Llamados in the playoffs.
That quarterfinal grind apparently toughened up the Tigers and it showed in last night’a rubbermatch.
The Tigers broke away in the third period, where Casio unloaded 11 points, allowing his team to lead by as many as 21 points.
Powerade entered the fourth with a sizable 84-65 leading heading to the final period.
The Painters made some serious runs in the fourth but the Tigers didn’t panic, making timely baskets whenever their opponent threaten to inch closer.
Rain or Shine, leaning on Jefrrie Chan, Paul Lee and JR Quiñahan, sliced its deficit to just eight, 90-98, with still 4:45 left but Casio hit a triple and Rommel Adducul completed a putback for a 103-90 Powerade lead.