Magnolia Ice Cream Makers, the former Gold Eagle Beermen in the previous year, started the 1985 PBA season with a bang with returning import Norman Black now as the team's playing coach.
Standing only at 6-5, Black outhustled and outwitted opposing imports who were taller than him in steering Magnolia to a best-of-seven finals showdown with powerhouse Great Taste for the first conference crown.
Magnolia lost three chances to clinch a semifinals seat when they were beaten by Tanduay Rhum Makers, who played a spoiler's role, and losing twice to Great Taste.
The Coffee Makers seems all set to bid their grandslam hopes goodbye when things suddenly looked up for them in the fourth quarter when Norman Black fouled out and Magnolia's strength waned.
Rudy Distrito serve a suspension meted for sparking a melee and sat out in the knockout game on November 3, the lack of local support for Norman Black was clearly evident in Magnolia's final appearance in the third conference.