MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – It seemed like the Meralco Bolts were finally on their way to their first victory once Gary David's hands caught fire.
But even a 40-point explosion from the veteran guard could not do the trick as the Barako Bull Energy came away with a 108-106 victory in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, November 15 at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Josh Urbiztondo likewise sizzled for Barako Bull going 4-for-8 from long range for a team-high 24 points to go with 3 rebounds and two assists off the bench. Urbiztondo also knocked down 3 triples and had 13 points in the payoff period to keep the Energy afloat and lead by 10-point bubbles down the stretch.
The Bolts, however, rallied on David's 14 fourth quarter points as his booming triple from the top of the key chopped the Energy's lead to 108-106 with 29 seconds left.
Despite missing 4 straight free throws inside the final minute, Barako Bull made up for it with good defense – including RR Garcia hounding rookie Chris Newsome in the dying seconds – to escape with the win.
"This is a character game for us," said head coach Koy Banal. "After missing 4 free throws and allowing the much-needed 3-pointer from Gary David, the players stayed focused and really wanted to get this win."
Garcia contributed 18 points while Willy Wilson added 17 markers, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists as the Energy recovered nicely from a tough overtime loss to Globalport a week ago and rose to 2-2.
Guard Emman Monfort came off the bench for 12 points and 6 assists to go with his usual bursts of energy.
It was a shootout between both teams as they exchanged triple after triple with only two baskets coming from inside the paint for about a 3-minute stretch in the middle of the fourth quarter.
Barako Bull shot a total of 10-for-26 from 3-point range while Meralco was more efficient going 11-for-18, more than half of which was courtesy of David.
David shot 7-of-9 from distance for his conference-high 40 points and also added 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Newsome had 12 points, 9 rebounds, 5 assists, and two steals, as Reynel Hugnatan added 10 markers and 5 boards.
San Beda guard Baser Amer started the game and chipped in 9 points and 6 assists in almost 31 minutes of play.
Meralco, who shot themselves in the foot with 19 turnovers compared to just 8 by Barako, remained the only winless team this conference in 4 games.
Scores:
Barako Bull (108): Urbiztondo 24, Garcia 18, Wilson 17, Monfort 12, Intal 9, Cruz 8, Pennisi 6, Baracael 5, Lanete 3, Caperal 2, Miranda 2, Sorongon 2, Fortuna 0.
Meralco (106): David 40, Newsome 12, Hugnatan 10, Amer 9, Alapag 7, Nabong 7, Caram 6, Dillinger 5, Al-Hussaini 4, Faundo 4, Sedurifa 2, Hodge 0.
Quarter scores: 32-23; 56-52; 79-82; 108-106.
– Rappler.com
