Petron stays alive

The Petron Blaze Boosters labored hard before escaping the eliminated B-Meg Llamados, 97-92, to keep their semifinal hopes alive in the 36th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Sunday Salvacion knocked in a go-ahead triple in the final 1:14 as the Boosters used a strong endgame kick to escape with the win.

Petron improved to 7-5 (win-loss) and must win their final assignment against the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters on Friday to stay in contention in the race for the last finals seat.

The Texters, who are looking to complete the league’s fourth grand slam feat, have taken the first finals seat, making their last semis game against the Boosters a no-bearing affair.

Aside from Petron, Barangay Ginebra, Alaska and Rain or Shine are still in the race for a finals berth.

Rain or Shine and Alaska were still playing as of press time. The loser in that match will be booted out from the race.

For a while, it seemed the Boosters’ campaign was about to end when the Llamados took a 90-89 lead on a reverse layup by Joe Devance with 1:33 left.

Danny Ildefonso missed an undergoal stab in the next play but was able to force a jumpball with B-Meg import Myron Allen.

The tip went to Salvacion who drilled a triple from the left corner, giving the Boosters the lead for good, 92-90.

The Boosters ended the game with a 5-2 blitz for the season-saving win.

Import Anthony Grundy paced the Boosters with 29 points, while Arwind Santos added 22. Salvacion and Ildefonso both have 14 markers while Denok Miranda donated 12.

James Yap tallied 23 markers for the Llamados while Devance had 18.

BOX SCORES

PETRON (97)- Grundy 29, Santos 22, Salvacion 14, Ildefonso 14, Miranda 12, Al-Hussaini 4, Baclao 2, Duncil 0, Hubalde 0, Pennisi 0.

B-MEG (92)- Yap J. 23, Devance 18, Pingris 16, Allen 15, Urbiztondo 10, Allado 8, Reavis 2, Gaco 0, Fernandez 0, Adducul 0. QUARTERSCORES: 23-15, 46-41, 65-66, 97-92.