Who Would Have Thought?

Pre-finals predictions everywhere: Sweep by SMB. Some playing devil’s advocate: 4-1 SMB, 4-2 SMB. Even diehard Purefoods franchise fans, no matter how they would love an upset, were very doubtful of the team’s chances.

First, even if the team is 100% healthy and plays 100% on the court, there’s just no way in hell Magnolia is going to beat SMB. Papers don’t lie. What more with Ping’s and Melton’s injuries?

So, it looked as though it was a lopsided game as everyone expected.

With a very high scoring first and second quarters, Magnolia’s main gun Paul Lee and supersub PJ Simon shooting bricks, and San Miguel Beermen shooting the lights out here and there; the Hotshots were destined to be a laughing stock in the history of PBA finals in a matter of two more quarters.

Most viewers especially Hotshots diehards have switched channels as soap operas’ heavy dramas were more bearable to watch than seeng the mighty SMB squad crush your favorite team.

Some moments later, Twitter went crazy! Magnolia won Game 1 of the Best of 7 All-Filipino Cup Finals 2018: 105-103. Wait, what?

Yeah, that happened!

It’s not really uncommon to see teams surmount large leads by the opponents. We see it all the time in the PBA and NBA. We’ve seen it with Hotshots before in some of their lucky games, whatever their name was and whatever team they faced. It’s doable.

But you don’t do it against a powerhouse San Miguel Beer team. You just cannot.

Especially in the finals.

But the Magnolia Hotshots just refused to wave the white flag yet.

Sangalang started out the rally in the last quarter of the game. Jalalon followed suit. The magic “bunot” happened in Herndon with the steal, free throws, and a couple of 3-pointers. Paul Lee happened, tying the game. SMB was literally scoreless for the first 6 minutes of the 4th quarter.

And while most of the viewers at home have missed what could be one of the most epic comebacks in the PBA Finals’ history, those who decided to stick around and pray for a miracle was served a superb spectacle.

Of course, you can always watch that game on replays, but nothing beats the feeling of being "in the moment".

This may be the only time this will happen and probably the only time Magnolia will win against the giant in the series who is aiming for its fourth straight All Filipino Cup Championship ring in four years.

But one thing is certain. While the “Never Say Die” spirit was Ginebra’s motto, this Purefoods franchise displayed bravery, “never give up” and “never say never” attitude despite the odds that will be remembered by its loyal fans and PBA fans as well for a long time.

Some would call it “CHAMBA”. Others say “BREAKS OF THE GAME”, haters “REF MAGIC”.

We call it “PUSO”.

And we can definitely see Ping cheering and clapping on the sidelines, crutches and all; obviously very proud of the boys.

Losing after this wouldn't hurt that much, would it? So, bring it on!

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