Ildefonso strikes again, helps Petron level PHL Cup semis series

Danny Ildefonso nailed a clutch side jumper and rookie Chris Lutz buried two-pressure packed free throws to help Petron endure Talk 'N Text's huge finishing kick for a 91-89 win that leveled their PBA Philippine Cup semifinals series at 1-game apiece Saturday night.  

Ildefonso, the two-time league Most Valuable Player (MVP) who buried the game-winning jumper in Game One of their Governors Cup finals against the same team last season, found himself open at the right corner and didn't hesitate to take the shot with 20.5 seconds left in the tightly-fought match at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. The ball hit nothing but net to give the Boosters an 89-84 cushion after the defending champion Texters rallied back from a 75-59 deficit early in the fourth period.

And when the Tropang Texters threatened for the last time, Lutz,, the third overall pick in the last Rookie Draft, hit two free throws to virtually wrap up Game 2, 91-86, 12.8 seconds to go.

"I think our team effort and defense won for us the game. We played with a lot of intesity this time, unlike in Game One," said Petron coach Ato Agustin.

The Boosters did play as a team with five players submitting double figures led by the Alex Cabagnot's 24 markers behind a 10-of-19 shooting from the field.  

Arwind Santos again came through with a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds while Ildefonso finished with 12 markers and 10 rebounds. Joseph Yeo and Lutz scored 17 and 11 each.

The four and Dennis Miranda joined hands in a huge 19-4 run as the Boosters enjoyed a 73-57 spread with still nine minutes and 33 seconds to go in the final period. The Texters, sparked by Japeth Aguilar's two-handed follow-up dunk and a Jimmy Alapag three-pointer, climbed out of that 16-point hole and moved within three, 87-84, on a Kelly Williams basket in the final 36 seconds.

Ildefonso and Lutz then made their move to secure the win for the reigning Governors Cup champions.

Alapag, held to a single point in Game One, exploded for a team-high 17 points including a three-pointer at the buzzer for the final tally.  

Japeth Aguilar and Jayson Castro scored 15 each. — JVP, GMA News Scores: Petron 91—Cabagnot 24, Yeo 17, Ildefonso 12, Santos 11, Lutz 10, Miranda 7, Reyes 6, Tugade 4, Doruelo 0, Baclao 0.