PBA Flashback: U-Tex hands Crispa surprise beating in First Conference race to finals

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On July 19, 1975, U-Tex and Crispa-Floro played in a semifinal match at the Araneta Coliseum with the Weavers winning, 111-102.

It was a shocking defeat in the eyes of fans at the time considering the Redmanizers had one of the vaunted lineups at the time.

In that game, former Crispa coach Virgilio “Baby” Dalupan opted not to field Johnny Revilla and Rey Franco. Instead, he relied on Fortunato Co, Bernard Fabiosa and Cristino Calilan.

Unfortunately, this move failed as the Redmanizers struggled to match up with the U-Tex backcourt composed of Larry Mumar, Danilo Basilan and Orly de los Santos.

But the player that stood out in that game was Romeo Frank, the only legitimate center in the Weaver’s lineup. Frank fended off the likes of Alberto Guidaben, Philip Cezar and Rodolfo Soriano in the slot, coming away with 18 points.

He provided that needed support to Danny Florencio and Mumar who had 26 points and 22 points respectively.

That win gave the Weavers a chance to compete for the finals slot. U-Tex and Crispa eventually jostled for a one-game playoff on July 22, 1975 for the remaining finals slot against the Comets.

The Redmanizers thwarted the Weavers, 121-113, with William Adornado leading Crispa with 41 points.