Rappler Fastbreak: GlobalPort, Barako escape with stunners

GlobalPort Batang Pier (94) – (92) Petron Blaze Boosters

Box Score | Recap 

Best: Sol Mercado gets a double-double, Justin Williams actually has some offense, Gary David erupts for 28, and Japeth Aguilar justifies the playing time. What’s not to like if you’re a Batang Pier?

Worst: Chris Lutz getting injured. It’s confirmed – he has a broken rib. Get well soon, Mr. Lutz. Oh, but if you’re looking for something awful ON THE HARDWOOD, then how about Arwind Santos’s 1-of-9 three-point shooting?

Maybe Japeth was right after all: Aguilar, in his first game after getting traded by Talk N Text, and after his ill-fated stab at an NBA D-League career, scores 16 points, pulls down 9 boards, and blocks 4 shots, including a big one on Jay Washington in the endgame. He was solid down low after Williams was sent off in the third period. Looks like Aladdin got his wish.

Barako Bull Energy (79) – (75) San Mig Coffee Mixers

Box Score | Recap

Best: The Josh Urbiztondo-Evan Brock connection. That alley-oop early on was mighty nasty, and their combined production wasn’t too shabby as well – 35 points, 21 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals.

Worst: Both Alex Mallari and Mark Barroca tried their hand at playing point guard tonight. Both failed miserably. Their combined stats – 9 points, 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 5 turnovers, and 5 fouls in 57 minutes. Oh, and 3-of-14 from the field. No wonder Urbiztondo and Jonas Villanueva were smirking all night.

So the guy who advised SMC to let go of Urbiztondo and Villanueva should be looking over his shoulder now: Both those guys used to alternate at the floor general position for SMC/B-Meg, but they got let go – Urbiztondo before this season and Villanueva in-between conferences. If they felt some bitterness, who could blame them, right? Thing is, I don’t think they’re feeling that bitter right now. Uribiztondo continues his rise with a near-double-double, while Villanueva relished in the extended freedom of movement.