ON a night when the B-Meg franchise lost in one of the biggest games of its history, Tim Cone would rather focus on the big picture.
“There’s a lot to say about this game, but I hope we dwell on the whole year and not just on the last game,” said Cone shortly after the Llamados bowed to the Elasto Painters, 83-76, in Game Seven of the PBA Governors Cup title series played before a roaring crowd of 21,853 at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Llamados had won Games Five and Six to move on the verge of winning back-to-back titles as well as a 15th championship for their coach, which would have tied for the all-time record among coaches with the legendary Baby Dalupan.
A Game Seven win would have also made the Llamados the first team over the last 21 years to battle back from a 1-3 Finals deficit and win a title.
But the reigning Commissioner's Cup champions were outfought by a young Rain or Shine team in a deciding Game Seven which the more experienced Llamados were tipped to win.
Despite the setback, Cone sees a lot of positives in the franchise which he joined in controversial fashion after bolting Alaska Milk where he had won his first 13 titles.
He said what B-Meg accomplished this season should augur well for the team’s campaign next year.
“We made two finals in a row (this season) and it’s something we want to keep going until next year,” said Cone.
Likewise, he praised the Llamados for taking the series to a winner-take-all showdown after going down 1-3 in the best-of-seven series.
“A lot of teams could have gone on vacation if they’re down 1-3, but we just fought back,” Cone said. “It takes a special group of guys to force a Game Seven like what they did. And I’m just really proud of them.”
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