With Alex Cabagnot delivering a clutch triple in the final seconds, Petron Blaze got away with a 95-93 win last night to take a 2-1 lead against Talk ‘N Text in their PBA Philippine Cup best-of-seven semifinal showdown at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Petron will shoot for a commanding 3-1 lead tomorrow when the two teams clash in Game 4.

It was another thrilling basketball game for those who trooped to the Astrodome to watch Petron and Talk ‘N Text battle for the coveted final seat.

Despite falling 20 points in the early quarters, the Boosters managed to get their game going and once again, reverse the outcome of the game.

Down by two points in the dying seconds at 91-93, Cabagnot’s triple put his team up by a point at 94-93, while Chris Lutz added another point from the free throw ling for the final 95-93 tally.

It was a crucial coaching mistake, TNT coach Chot Reyes said after the game, accepting the blame for his team’s defeat in Game 3.

"My fault, it was a coaching error. I put Ryan Reyes in that situation and he helped open up that three-point shot by helping on Arwind Santos. He doesn't know what 'Don't help' means," Reyes was quoted saying in the PBA website.

The Tropang Texters had chances to turn the game around, but Larry Fonacier and Ranidel de Ocampo alternately missed their own three-point tries.

Receiving the ball as expected, Cabagnot issued a pass to Arwind Santos, who went up the air for a shot but instead passed on to Danny Ildefonso, who kicked out to Cabagnot.

Some credit must be given Petron as Santos wound up with 25 points, Denok Miranda 20 and Cabagnot 12 after again going scoreless in the first half as in Game 1.

Lutz added 11 but it is on Miranda's output that makes Reyes fume even more.*NAB

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