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PBA Governors' Cup 2013: A Game of Spurts (Petron - Alaska Elimination Round Match - Up)

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Petron Blaze Boosters (7  - 1) def. Alaska Aces (3 - 4) 103 - 100
PBA/Nuki Sabio
Elijah Millsap took over for Petron in this game.
(credits to interaksyon.com)

  What. A Game.

  This Friday was actually a "basketball marathon" for me, as I was treated not only to the two PBA games that were staged tonight, but also a THRILLING (to say the least), UAAP Juniors game between the Ateneo Blue Eaglets and the NU Bulldogs. To summarize that game well, Thirdy Ravena is definitely a beast, but free throws, free throws, free throws. (They were leading by 6 with 2:21 remaining in OT. Thirdy would miss 5 STRAIGHT free throws, NU would make a 9 - 0 run. Ateneo would score, get a chance to win the game, but Phenom Jolo Mendoza would miss two free throws, and NU gets itself a thrice to beat advantage for the Finals.)

  Since Ateneo lost that game and I didn't get honors, I was hoping for a Petron win to cheer me up. They were against Alaska, my second favorite team, which made the game one I really couldn't wait for. Sadly I had to wait for it for 6 more hours.

  The waiting was worth it. 
   Petron wasn't at the drivers' seat the whole game. Alaska took control for the start of the game, leading by as much as 10. 

  Then Elijah Millsap and Chico Lanete happened.

  Millsap would slam one home, Lanete would connect on two threes, and next thing you knew it, Petron was leading by 3 when the 1st quarter ended. 

  The 2nd quarter was controlled by Petron, ending it on a high note leading 51 - 45. The third quarter was a dunk - a - thon, with Wendell McKines dunking 3 times, and Chris Lutz slamming one home on the fast break. Despite the 3 electrifying dunks by Mr. Wensday, Petron would still lead 79 - 74. The game would really go down the wire, with the game ending with one of the most heart stopping moments I have ever seen during an end game. Dondon Hontiveros would shoot a desperation three, and the shot would SLOWLY, and I mean SLOWLY, roll around the ring. The whole Philsports Arena was left speechless, waiting for what direction the ball would go to. Much to the dismay of Alaska fans, the ball rimmed out. Petron would end up winning the game.

 It was a game of spurts. Petron couldn't pull away because of Alaska's stifling defense, yet at the same time Alaska couldn't take the lead. 

  It was like a last man standing match in wrestling. Both teams gave it their all.Something had to give, and in this case, it was Alaska's attempt to steal this one from the Blaze Boosters.

  Well, just like after every game, of course I have some (mental) notes regarding the two teams.
  • Alaska is definitely the contrapelo of Petron. That's probably the most important thing we've learned from this game. Petron is 0 - 4 against Alaska this year before the game tonight. Despite the win though, it was by no means pretty. It was definitely a far cry compared to the blowout they gave Talk 'N Text the other day. 
  • Elijah Millsap can stuff the stat sheet when needed. But thing is, he chooses not to. Millsap had 35 points and 12 rebounds for this one, the stats that most imports have been putting up in this year's Governors' Cup. Millsap's stat line consists of averages of 28.8 points and 11.8 rebounds, pretty pedestrian compared to the stat lines of Mike Singletary and Marqus Blakely. Numbers can be quite deceiving, and for Millsap's numbers, they are VERY much deceiving.
  • Calvin Abueva still hasn't reached his full potential. As confusing as it seems, yes, in my opinion, The Beast can only get better. Thing is, Abueva is a pretty good package at this state. He has a jump shot, he has a barreling drive, he's crazy strong, he's crazy athletic, he has great basketball IQ, and he has street smarts. Despite all that though, he doesn't have too much fundamentals. He's like a monster Jayson Castro, without the handles and the consistency of a jumper. Just give him better handles, more control and a more consistent jumper, boy do we have a Gilas Pilipinas player. 
Petron escapes with win No. 7 as Hontiveros' last-gasp trey rolls out
Imagine Calvin Abueva doing this, except with more fundamentals.
You done? I'm guessing you can't stop. I can't either.
(credits to spin.ph)
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