Tigers avoid sweep, extend PBA finals series

Friday, January 27, 2012

MANILA—Gary David fired 35 points and Powerade Tigers survived a 100-97 win over Talk ‘N Text to extend the best-of-seven series into Game 5 in the 37th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The Tropang Texters had enough time to send the game into overtime with a few seconds remaining, but Jimmy Alapag missed a triple in the right corner that allowed the Tigers to post their first win in the series, 3-1.

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“I give it to my players. We were talking about focus on getting just this game. We have a general game plan of being the best on the offensive side and doing well on defense,” said Powerade coach Bo Perasol.

With their backs against the wall, the Tigers fought bravely and nailed the match into several lead changes and deadlocks, the last at 97 with 1:01 to go. But Sean Anthony scored on a jumper in the last 39 seconds, while David split a charity to escape with the victory.

Aside from scoring 30 points or more for the 14th time in the playoff, the 6’1” David likewise settled with five rebounds. He was earlier named Best Player of the Conference, besting Arwind Santos and teammate Marcio Lassiter for the title.