THE bold move by the Philippine Basketball Association to schedule a single-game per day in the semi-finals paid off.

The PBA yesterday bared that it has earned an astounding P39 million from ticket sales in the recently-concluded Philippine Cup, representing a 3-percent rise from the same conference last season.

“This is very encouraging for the league. And we owe it to our fans. They are the barometer of our success. The success of the Philippine Cup is a testament that the fans enjoyed watching the games. Hopefully, we will have another banner year,” said PBA chairman Mamerto Mondragon.

The PBA posted the figure even though the championships only went to five games, a 4-1 series victory by Talk ‘N Text.

Talk ‘N Text became the first team in 27 years to repeat as all-Filipino champion and also became the third team after Ginebra and Purefoods to come back from a 1-3 deficit, beating bitter rival Petron in the semi-finals.

The league likewise collected the staggering amount even though two popular teams – Ginebra and B-Meg – were eliminated from semi-final round play.

In last season’s Philippine Cup semi-finals, Talk ‘N Text, San Miguel Beer, B-Meg and Ginebra were the ones that saw action before the Texters and the Beermen disputed the title. Talk ‘N Text won the crown in six games, four to two.

Last year’s Philippine Cup conference grossed P38 million.

A big factor in the ticket sales was the decision of the league to present a single game in the semi-finals.

“We would like to emphasize that the split of games during the semi-finals helped boost the conference’s gate receipts and attendance but more importantly, it provided a well-deserved exposure for the two powerhouse contenders (Talk N’ Text and Petron) and the two upcoming teams (Powerade and Rain or Shine),” PBA Media Bureau chief Willie Marcial said.

“AKTV, our coveror, is upbeat and has agreed to do it again during the semifinals of the second conference. We just have to make certain that our traditional game venues (Smart Araneta Coliseum and Cuneta Astrodome) can accommodate the daily schedule,” he added.

In other developments:

*The PBA Board of Governors will convene for a special meeting on Friday, the opening day of the import-spiced Commissioner’s Cup, to discuss the disturbing issue regarding the sale of Powerade to San Miguel Corp.

Chairman Mamerto Mondragon (Rain or Shine) called for the special meeting to finally confront the reported purchase of Powerade by SMC. The sale has been seen as one that will rock the balance in the league since SMC will now control four ball clubs.

“We are definitely worried of course even though there are still no official documents,” said Mondragon. “Nakakabahala talaga. This could cast a negative effect on the PBA.”

*The PBA has yet to receive documents pertaining to the trade that will involve Marcio Lassiter of Powerade and Petron’s Noy Baclao and Rey Guevarra.

Lassiter, the No. 4 pick in the 2011 Draft, was reported to be headed to Petron in exchange for Baclao and Guevarra, two sparingly-used player in Petron.

The trade has also sparked concerns among fans based on internet forums, saying that the deal is not fair.

Lassiter was one of two Powerade players who became a candidate for the Best Player of the Conference award in the Philippine Cup won by Gary David. He was the No. 3 player in statistical points.