SUMMARY
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RIZAL, Philippines — The Barako Bull Energy Cola made quick work of expansion team Blackwater Elite and snuffed out their playoff hopes with a convincing 97-82 victory in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday, November 26 at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Former UAAP MVP RR Garcia was a near perfect 3-of-4 from long range for a team-high 16 points, 11 of which he dropped in the first half.
Fellow sophomore guard Carlo Lastimosa contributed another 16 markers on 7-of-10 field goal shooting.
“I thought we did a good job defensively and we started out strong,” said Barako Bull head coach Koy Banal. “We limited them to just 30 points in the first half. The way we started and the energy the guys brought in made a difference in this game.”
After impressing the crowd with dunks and shooting during their pre-game shoot-around, Barako Bull figured in a hot start on both sides of the ball, outscoring Blackwater by 22-9 in the first period and limiting them to just 30 points by halftime. Barako built a 17-point 34-17 edge in the second.
Although the Elite managed to trim the lead to 9 at 41-32 early in the third, the Energy immediately padded onto the lead some more, notching its biggest lead of 26 points at 70-44, which ultimately took the fight out of a still winless Blackwater after 9 games in the league.
“I hope we use this as a springboard coming into our last two games against NLEX and Purefoods,” Banal said as his team came up to 3-6 though still in 10th place.
Jake Pascual added 13 points as all but one of Barako’s 13 players fielded in scored at least two points.
Blackwater had big man Bryan Faundo leading the team with his career-high 23 points on top of 11 rebounds. Guard Brian Heruela chipped in 19 points, 14 of which came in the payoff period. While underperforming Alex Nuyles settled for 12 markers.
The Elite picked up their offense late in the fourth, outscoring the Energy by 34-25, but it was too late for a comeback.
Blackwater plays Talk ‘N Text and San Miguel before wrapping up their first PBA conference.
Scores:
Barako Bull (97): Garcia 16, Lastimosa 16, Pascual 13, Miranda 9, Intal 9, Pennisi 9, Salva 6, Lanete 6, Marcelo 5, Wilson 4, Salvador 2, Paredes 2, Hubalde 0.
Blackwater (82): Faundo 23, Heruela 19, Nuyles 12, Gamalinda 8, Laure 6, Menor 4, Timberlake 3, Erram 2, Rodriguez 2, Ballesteros 2, Celiz 1, Tiongson 0, Artadi 0, Austria 0.
Quarter scores: 22-9, 41-30, 72-48, 97-82.
– Rappler.com
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