Undermanned Petron Blaze denies Talk ‘N Text third straight PBA crown

In the end, it was the underdog who prevailed.

The Petron Blaze Boosters completed one of the greatest upsets in league history when they trounced the fancied Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters, 85-73, in Game 7 of the 36th PBA Governors’ Cup Best-of-Seven Finals last night at the packed Araneta Coliseum.

In hoisting their 19th championship trophy—the most in the league—the Boosters also foiled the Texters’ grand slam bid.

Owing to their super talented lineup, the Texters were favored to win the series and were predicted by many to win the league’s fourth grand slam after Crispa, San Miguel and Alaska.

The Boosters, despite missing four key injured players, had other things in mind.

And for Petron coach Ato Agusting, the Texters committed a big mistake when they “handpicked” the Boosters to become their opponents in the finals.

“Pinagbigyan nila kami at nagkamali sila,” said Agustin, referring to the notions that the Texters opted to drop their last semis assignment against the Boosters to avoid the Barangay Ginebra Kings in the championship round.

Agustin, the ninth coach to win a title in his rookie year, got a huge lift from his locals as Arwin Santos, Denok Miranda, Danny Ildefonso and Alex Cabagnot, who all scored in double figures to complement the solid showing of import Anthony Grundy.

Grundy finished with a game-high 26 points after scoring just five points in their 78-104 Game 6 loss.

Santos and Miranda both scored 16 points, Ildefonso delivered 13 and Cabagnot had 12.

Named the Best Player of the Conference, Santos also walked home the Finals MVP award as he averaged 17 points, 12.3 rebounds, 1.6 steals and 1.6 blocks in the championship series.

Maurice Baker topped the Texters with points, Ranidel de Ocampo added 15, while Kelly Williams and Jimmy Alapag had 13 each.

Jayson Castro was obviously bothered by a right knee and just scored two points.

Castro’s injury crippled the Texters’ offense, scoring just 17 points after the first period while giving up 28 to their opponents.