The 2013 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors' Cup finals, also known as the 2013 PLDT Telpad PBA Governors' Cup finals for sponsorship reasons, was the best-of-7 championship series of the 2013 PBA Governors' Cup, and the conclusion of the conference's playoffs. Petron Blaze and San Mig Coffee competed for the 109th championship contested by the league. This was the first time the two teams met in the finals since the 2000 PBA Governors' Cup finals when the Petron Blaze Boosters (then known as the San Miguel Beermen) defeated the San Mig Coffee Mixers (then known as the Purefoods TJ Hotdogs) in five games.
Background In the elimination round, the Blaze Boosters lost their first game. From there, they went on a 11-game winning streak for the best record in the league that also included a win over Barangay Ginebra in the first round. Their run was fueled by import Elijah Millsap (averaging 27.2 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 2.2 steals, and two made triples a game), improved efficient play from national team member June Mar Fajardo (averaging a near double-double of 11.6 ppg, 9.6 rpg, with 1.6 bpg), the veteran presence of Alex Cabagnot and Arwind Santos, breakout three-point shooting from Marcio Lassiter, and a bench that could go 10 deep. Defeating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters 3–1 gave them their 27th finals appearance for the chance at their 20th title.
San Mig, as the 2nd seed with a 6–3 elimination round record, leaned on its chemistry and defense to win games. Although losing Allein Maliksi to an injury hurt their depth, their import Marqus Blakely gave them needed athleticism and rim protection. They beat the Alaska Aces in the first round, then the Meralco Bolts 3–1 in the semifinals for their 24th finals appearance and a chance at their 10th title. Head coach Tim Cone was also going for his 15th title, which would tie him for most all-time for a coach with Baby Dalupan.
Road to the finals
San Mig CoffeePetron BlazeFinished 6–3 (0.667): 2nd Elimination round Finished 8–1 (0.889):1stDef. Alaska in one game (105–112, 83–74) Quarterfinals Def. Barangay Ginebra in two games (101–94)Def. Meralco, 3–1 Semifinals Def. Rain or Shine, 3–1
Head-to-head matchup The conference head-to-head matchup was on August 31, 2013 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Series summary TeamGame 1Game 2Game 3Game 4Game 5Game 6Game 7WinsSan Mig Coffee 84 100 68 88 114 88 87 4Petron Blaze100 93 90 86 103 99 77 3Venue MOA Araneta Araneta MOA Araneta Araneta Araneta
Game 1
Game 2
Game 3
Game 4
Game 5
Game 6
Game 7
Rosters
Broadcast notes Game Play-by-play Analyst(s) Courtside reporters Sports5 Center AnalystsGame 1 Magoo Marjon Jason Webb Erika Padilla Aaron Atayde and Nikko RamosGame 2 Mico Halili Quinito Henson Sel Guevara Aaron Atayde and Benjie ParasGame 3 Charlie Cuna Dominic Uy Rizza Diaz Nikko Ramos and Ronnie MagsanocGame 4 Rado Dimalibot Eric Reyes Rizza Diaz Mico Halili and Benjie ParasGame 5 Magoo Marjon Jason Webb Erika Padilla Aaron Atayde, Benjie Paras and Chot ReyesGame 6 Mico Halili Jason Webb Nikko Ramos and Rizza Diaz Aaron Atayde, Ronnie Magsanoc and Chot ReyesGame 7 Magoo Marjon Jason Webb Nikko Ramos and Erika Padilla Mico Halili, Ronnie Magsanoc and Chot Reyes Additional Game 7 crew: Trophy presentation: Aaron Atayde Dugout celebration interviewer: Nikko Ramos
TV ratings Game AGB NielsenMega Manila TNS/KantarnationalGame 1 9.5% 4.5%Game 2 9% 5.3%Game 3 9.4% 4.9%Game 4 10.2% 5.7%Game 5 7.9% 4.7%Game 6 11.7% 7%Game 7 15.4% 8.8%Average 10.4 5.8%
References
External links PBA official website