Walking into the packed arena last night, I could feel the electricity in the air—the kind of tension that only a PBA Finals Game 3 can generate. As someone who’s followed the league for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of clutch performances, but what unfolded on that court was something special. The Portmasters didn’t just win; they executed with a level of precision that left the Giant Lanterns scrambling, and if you ask me, it all came down to one often-overlooked aspect of the game: free-throw shooting. Let’s be honest, free throws don’t always get the spotlight, but last night, they told the whole story.

Right from the tip-off, both teams came out aggressive, but the Portmasters quickly found their rhythm. Enzo Joson, in particular, stood out in ways that might not show up in the highlight reels at first glance. He dropped 12 points, grabbed 3 rebounds, snagged 3 steals, and dished out 2 assists—solid numbers, sure, but it was his presence on both ends that really set the tone. I’ve always admired players who do the little things, and Joson’s defensive pressure forced turnovers that fueled fast breaks. But here’s where it gets interesting: the Portmasters went 19 for 22 from the charity stripe, shooting an incredible 86.4 percent. Compare that to the Giant Lanterns, who managed just 21 makes out of 40 attempts—a dismal 52.5 percent. That’s nearly a 20-point swing just from free throws, and in a championship game, that’s the difference between lifting the trophy and going home empty-handed.

I’ve analyzed dozens of finals series, and one thing I’ve learned is that composure under pressure separates champions from contenders. The Portmasters, led by veterans and rising stars like Joson, maintained their cool in the clutch. Every time the Giant Lanterns tried to mount a comeback, the Portmancers responded—not with flashy dunks, but with disciplined drives to the basket that drew fouls and sent them to the line. Watching them sink free throw after free throw, I couldn’t help but think back to past finals where teams crumbled under similar pressure. The Giant Lanterns, on the other hand, seemed rushed and out of sync; missing 19 free throws is almost unforgivable at this level, and it cost them dearly. Personally, I think their coaching staff will have a lot to answer for in the post-game review—fixing that free-throw percentage should be priority number one.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Portmasters celebrated a hard-fought victory, and it was clear that their attention to detail had paid off. In my view, this game wasn’t just about who scored the most points; it was a masterclass in efficiency and mental toughness. The Portmasters’ 86.4 percent free-throw accuracy is a stat that will be talked about for years, especially when you consider how it overshadowed the Giant Lanterns’ 52.5 percent struggle. Looking ahead, if the Portmasters can maintain this level of execution, I’d bet on them to close out the series sooner rather than later. For now, though, let’s savor this performance—it’s games like these that remind us why we love basketball, where fundamentals and heart combine to create unforgettable moments.