In a surprising turn of events, the heavy underdogs Petron Blaze Boosters found themselves just a game a way from clinching the 36th PBA Governors’ Cup title.
The Boosters inched closer to achieving the unimaginable as they shot down the highly favored Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 93-80, in Game 5 of their best-of-seven championship showdown at the Araneta Coliseum last night.
The Boosters dominated the contest from start to finish to take a 3-2 series lead, something that was never imagined by many. Petron regained the series lead after getting blown out in Games 2 and 3, moving just a game away from bagging their league-best 19th title.
Another Petron win on Friday will also end Talk ‘N Text’s bid of becoming the fourth team in league history to win a grand slam.
Anthony Grundy and Arwind Santos were at the forefront of the Boosters’ huge win, firing a combined 46 points. Grundy finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds and six assists while Santos tallied 20 markers, 14 boards and shot eight-for-13 from the field.
“It’s going to be a do-or-die for us in Game 6. We’ll treat that game as a no-tomorrow game,” said Grundy, whose squad led by as many 16 points in the fourth quarter and was never really threatened the rest of the way.
Danny Ildefonso also came up big for the Boosters, pitching in 13 points including two straight jumpshots that stopped a mini Talk ‘N Text run.
Denok Miranda was the fourth Booster in double figures with 11 points.
Ryan Reyes led the Texters with 14 points while Kelly Williams and Ali Peek added 13 and 11, respectively.
Import Scottie Reynolds was again a big disappointment for the Texters managing just five points.
Newly crowned MVP Jimmy Alapag also had a dismal outing for the second straight game as he was limited to just eight points.
BOX SCORES
PETRON (93)- Grundy 26, Santos 20, Ildefonso 13, Miranda 11, Cabagnot 7, Duncil 6, Hubalde 3, Salvacion 3, Baclao 2, Guevarra 2, Pennisi 0.
TALK N’ TEXT (80)- Reyes 14, Williams 13, Peek 11, Fonacier 9, De Ocampo 8, Carey 8, Alapag 8, Reynolds 5, Dillinger 2, Aban 2.