Wilson leads Barako Bull past Talk ’N Text in OT

MANILA, Philippines – Barako Bull continues to turn heads in the 2015-2016 PBA Philippine Cup.

Led by the all-around and clutch play of veteran Willy Wilson, the Energy was able to hold off a championship contender in the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters in overtime, 105-98, on Thursday, December 3, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Barako Bull managed to escape with the win despite losing their lead late in the fourth quarter and seeing scoring guard RR Garcia suffer a shoulder injury in the extra 5-minute session.

The win improved the record of the Energy to 4-4, which snaps a two-game losing streak and puts them a win away from making it to the playoffs for a fourth straight conference.

Talk ’N Text, who again played without All-Star Ranidel de Ocampo, dropped to 4-3 despite getting superb performances from rookies Moala Tautuaa and Troy Rosario, plus Jayson Castro.

Wilson posted career-highs of 28 points and 20 rebounds – the 35-year-old’s first career 20-20 game. Garcia accounted for 22 points before departing, while JC Intal had 12 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists.

“Well, number one key to the game is the sense of urgency. We’ve been talking about this even before the Rain or Shine game,” Barako head coach Koy Banal said post-game.

“I just want to be consistent in this, that we need to learn from our setback against Rain or Shine. That’s what happened. Everybody stepped up. Everybody contributed well.”

The Energy shot just 28% from the floor but feasted on the glass, out-rebounding their opponents 68-51 which led to a 24-11 advantage on second chance points. 

Barako also shot better at the foul line, 20-of-20, compared to the Tropang Texters, 15-of-27.

Tautuaa, the top pick in the 2015 PBA Draft, finished with 20 points and 5 rebounds while Rosario, who went no. 2, registered 19 points and 9 boards. Castro, playing like his usual all-around impressive self, posted 19 points, 6 assists, and 5 boards.

Up at one point by 10, Barako Bull was clinging on to a 92-88 lead with 4:24 remaining in regulation thanks to a Garcia triple. But Talk ’N Text responded, eventually tying the game at 95 following a Castro jump shot.

After Garcia was fouled and hit two free throws with 34 seconds to go, Rosario was fouled with 15 seconds left and tied the game at 97. Wilson then missed on a drive to the rim and Castro misfired on a 3-ball, setting up overtime.

Barako Bull went up 99-97 with 3:17 left in OT after Garcia went 2-of-3 at the line, but he was injured on the next play as his shoulder was hurt when he fouled Castro’s arm on a jumper. 

After the Talk ’N Text star split his charities, Wilson converted on a basket to put his team up 3 with 1:36 to go. Kelly Williams then missed a basket and Wilson was fouled by Rosario with 1:11 left, allowing him to put the Energy ahead 102-98 after a split.

Castro had two chances to trim the deficit but threw a bad pass and was blocked in separate possessions. Intal was then fouled and put the seal on the win at the line with 32 seconds to go.

“Medyo hindi ko alam kung dislocated pa. I just have to check it and make sure kung ano nang happen kay RR, pero medyo umangat yung balikat niya,” said Banal.

(I don’t know if it’s dislocated. I have to check and make sure what happened to RR, but his shoulder lifted.)

“I just hope and pray he will be okay and be ready for our next game.”

That next game for Barako is against the Blackwater Elite on Friday, December 11. Talk ’N Text is back in action on Sunday, December 6, against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

Scores:

Barako Bull (105): Wilson 28, Garcia 22, Intal 12, Fortuna 10, Baracael 9, Brondial 7, Lanete 6, Miranda 6, Urbiztondo 3, Monfort 2, Caperal 0, Pennisi 0.

Talk ’N Text (98): Talk N Text 98 — Tautuaa 20, Castro 19, Rosario 19, Carey 8, Wiliams 8, Miranda 7, Rosser 6, Reyes 6, Fonacier 5, Seigle 0.

Quarter scores: 19-27; 44-43; 78-75; 97-97; 105-98. – Rappler.com