Gary David's Legendary Game: Powerade Tigers’ Historic Upset in the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup

The 2011 PBA Philippine Cup became one for the history books when Gary David and the underdog Powerade Tigers defied the odds and eliminated the top-seeded B-MEG Llamados in a dramatic quarterfinal series. From being on the brink of elimination to orchestrating one of the most unforgettable playoff upsets, Powerade’s Cinderella run captivated basketball fans across the Philippines.

Powerade Tigers: A Team Rebuilt

Following a dismal 2010-2011 season, the Powerade Tigers retooled their roster with the future in mind. With the first overall pick in the 2011 PBA Draft, they selected National Team standout Jvee Casio, while using their third overall pick—acquired from a previous trade with Rain or Shine—to draft another National Team player, Marcio Lassiter.

Powerade also added valuable pieces through trades. They acquired Doug Kramer and Josh Vanlandingham in exchange for JR Quinahan, Norman Gonzales, and two second-round picks. These moves, initially seen as preparations for the future, laid the foundation for their stunning playoff run.

Despite inconsistency in the eliminations—including a four-game losing streak—the Tigers scraped into the playoffs as the 8th seed, edging out Barako Bull on a tiebreaker.

B-MEG Llamados: The Top Seed’s New Era

Meanwhile, the B-MEG Llamados reloaded by bringing in legendary coach Tim Cone, fresh off his departure from Alaska. They bolstered their lineup with key additions like Yancy De Ocampo and JC Intal. After a rocky 2-4 start, B-MEG adapted to Cone’s triangle offense and closed the eliminations with an impressive 8-game winning streak, securing the top seed and a twice-to-beat advantage heading into the quarterfinals.

Game 1: Powerade Sets the Tone

In the quarterfinal opener, the Powerade Tigers shocked the PBA world. Right from the tip-off, they dictated the pace, never allowing B-MEG to take the lead. Gary David was unstoppable, torching the Llamados with 32 points, including 22 in a brilliant first-half performance. Marcio Lassiter backed him up with 24 points, as Powerade secured a 97-88 win to force a do-or-die game.

Game 2: The Miracle in Overtime

With their season on the line, B-MEG came out strong in the do-or-die match. They exploited early foul trouble for Gary David and a minor injury scare for Jvee Casio to build a commanding 17-point lead entering the fourth quarter.

But the Tigers refused to go quietly.

At the seven-minute mark, Powerade ignited a furious rally, trimming B-MEG’s advantage to just two points. As time ticked away, B-MEG clung to a 3-point lead, courtesy of Mark Barroca’s split from the free-throw line. Then came the moment that would define the game—and Powerade’s playoff run.

With 28 seconds left, Will Antonio missed a potential game-tying three but grabbed his own rebound and dished it out to a waiting Gary David. With ice in his veins, David pulled up from beyond the arc and drained the shot, tying the game at 115 and sending it into overtime.

David wasn’t done yet. He scored Powerade’s first 10 points in the extra period, pushing them to a 125-117 lead. Although B-MEG mounted a final charge, Marcio Lassiter’s clutch three with 23 seconds remaining sealed the 131-123 win and the stunning upset.

The Legacy of Powerade’s Upset

Gary David’s heroic 37-point explosion, combined with strong performances from Lassiter and Casio, propelled Powerade to its first semifinals appearance since 2004. The Tigers became only the second 8th seed in PBA history to eliminate a top seed in the playoffs—a feat that still resonates with PBA fans as one of the league’s greatest underdog stories.

Final Thoughts

The Powerade Tigers’ dramatic upset of B-MEG was more than just a playoff win—it was a testament to perseverance, heart, and belief. Gary David’s unforgettable clutch performance, supported by rising stars Lassiter and Casio, reminded everyone why basketball remains the Philippines’ most beloved sport.