Fastbreak: Petron destroys out-of-focus San Mig Coffee

2013 PBA Governor’s Cup

Finals Game 3

Petron Blaze Boosters (90) – (68) San Mig Coffee Mixers

The Best: Raise your hand if you thought an Alex Cabagnot-less Petron Blaze squad could dominate the San Mig Coffee Mixers the way it did last night. No takers? Yeah, me too. Elijah Millsap more than filled in Cabaggie’s absence, however, pouring another all-around effort highlighted by 28 points. He also added 8 boards, 3 dimes, and 2 steals in a great show of quarterbacking. He has help, of course, as both Denok Miranda and Paolo Hubalde stepped up with a combined 15-point output.

The Worst: That Cabagnot was out should have been the worst thing in this game already, but, man, what was terribly wrong with the Mixers? Was the huge point difference just because Petron shot well from long range (10/24 threes), or was it more because SMC’s own offense contracted lethargy (they shot 2/15 from long range and had no local scoring more than 10 points)? And this after winning Game 2 in impressive fashion!!! When interviewed postgame, Marc Pingris said that his team probably had just 30% focus in this game. Way to play in the Finals, San Mig Coffee. Way to play.

Simple Adjustments: Petron coach Gee Abanilla knew he had to make adjustments after the Game 2 loss, and that’s exactly what he did. The Boosters established June Mar Fajardo’s presence down low and that led to more open looks for their shooters. The chief beneficiaries? Marcio Lassiter and Millsap. Now, the big question is what kind of adjustments will coach Tim Cone make in the 4th installment of this engaging chess match. – Rappler.com