Superstitious Patrimonio wears same polo from last year's championship

Athletes are a superstitious bunch. Many of them insist on following a certain routine every game day, believing that even the slightest deviation from their rigid schedule will result in bad luck come game time.

Others, though, believe in the power of a lucky piece of clothing. And San Mig Coffee team manager Alvin Patrimonio is one such soul. For Friday night's PBA Governors' Cup finals Game 7 clash between the Coffee Mixers and the Petron Blaze Boosters, the PBA legend wore the exact same shirt and tie he wore during last season's Commissioner's Cup Game 7 duel between the B-Meg Llamados (as the Mixers were known then) and the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters.

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Patrimonio reportedly considers the maroon long-sleeved shirt "his lucky polo", and with good reason. During last year's epic Game 7, the Llamados had to lean on Denzel Bowles' two free throws with 1.2 seconds left to force overtime before prevailing in the extra period for the franchise's ninth PBA title. After the game went into overtime, an emotional Patrimonio went out on the floor and vigorously clapped his hands while giving words of encouragement to his players.

Since the Coffee Mixers needed all the good vibes they could get against a favored Petron team, the Captain decided to wear the polo again.

It obviously worked, as the Mixers overpowered the Blaze Boosters, 87-77. Should San Mig face another Game 7 next season, expect Patrimonio to sport the same maroon polo and matching tie to the game.