The B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados will be advancing to the PBA Governor’s Cup finals after scoring a 74-72 win over the Brgy. Ginebra Gin Kings in their do-or-die playoff game Friday night (July 20).
Tim Cone’s squad will be facing the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters in the best-of-seven championship series. Game 1 is on Sunday (6PM) at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. No battle for third game will be held.
B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados logo. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
This will be the Llamados’ second straight finals appearance after winning the Commissioner’s Cup title over the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters last May. Interestingly, the Elasto Painters gained the first finals slot by beating the Llamados 92-82 last July 18.
Cone took the blame for the Llamados’ defeat, saying that his teamed were unprepared for the level of physicality that characterized the game against the Elasto Painters.
Now on their sixth season in the league, this marks the first time that the Yeng Guiao-mentored team had advanced to the championship round. Complete box scores and other statistics can be accessed at PBA’s official website.
In another development, Chot Reyes is leaving his post as Talk N’ Text head coach after four years. He will now concentrate on his duties with Smart Gilas Pilipinas, the national basketball team. He will be succeeded by Ateneo de Manila University head coach Norman Black once the 76th season of the UAAP ends.
