By Ivan Saldajeno
MANILA--Last year, Allen Durham witnessed a title run that slipped away right in front of him as Justin Brownlee shot the title-clinching triple for Ginebra in Game 6 of the PBA Governors' Cup Finals then.
[Related Story: Brownlee fires clinching three as Ginebra ends title drought with Game 6 win against Meralco]
Fast forward to Game 6 of this year's Finals between the same protagonists from last year.
Durham made sure that a repeat will not happen as he delivered a fine performance that helped Meralco take the win at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue on Wednesday night that tied the best-of-seven series at 3-all.
[Related Story: Hugnatan, Meralco ties series, pushes PBA Finals to decider]
"This is the first time in my career [to play in Game 7]. I'm excited," Durham said about the chance to finally give the Bolts their first PBA pennant in Game 7 on Friday night back in Bocaue. "We knew that we're playing a good team and that it's (the series) had the potential to go the distance, and that's where we're at."
Aside from unlocking an achievement to his personal history book, Durham looks to add one more by going for the win in the decider.
"I told the guys last week, 'You know, we have a real good opportunity to make history--to have that first championship for Meralco,'" he continued. "This is why I came back. I came back to have another opportunity. We were so close last year. We're in the same situation now."
He then vowed that he will let his game do the talking on Friday as he looks to follow up on his 28-point, 19-rebound, and three-assist outburst in Game 6.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno