I don’t know what was better — having the Energy Cola roar back from a 16-point deficit to start the fourth quarter and then steal the game, 92-90, or Barako Bull coach Bong Ramos openly admitting that this was one big “chamba” for his club. You gotta love it when your coach just has a realistic knowledge of your team’s capability, right? Or do you? Regardless of that, however, that big fightback in the payoff period was really TV-worthy, what with Josh Dollard coming up big in the clutch. Dollard ended up scoring 32 points and grabbing 17 rebounds to lead Barako to its second win in six games.
From being up 16 entering the fourth and then being on the receiving end of a 0-16 blast? Yep, I don’t think it gets much worse than that. Oh, but James Mays shooting 37% from the 2-point area, 50% from the line and netting 4 fouls (again) is something to consider, too.
Old is Gold: Two-time MVP Willie Miller may be old, but he was golden here, scoring a ton against the Mixers in the fourth period in that decisive rally. Overall, Miller shot 50% from the field, dished out 10 assists, had 5 boards, and stole the ball twice as a reminder of how awesome he was several years back. He still has the stuff, of course, but age will eventually turn him back into fool’s gold.
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| Barako Bull treated the crowd to Miller-time last night! |
Game Recap:
BARAKO BULL over SAN MIG SUPER COFFEE, 92-90
Barako Bull rallied from a 16-point deficit to deal the San Mig Super Coffee Mixers their first loss in the PLDT Home TVolution Commissioner’s Cup, 92-90, on Tuesday night at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“It’s an upset, chamba talaga,” said Barako Bull coach Bong Ramos, whose team improved its win-loss record to 2-4 after snapping a three-game losing skid.
The Mixers, who had won three straight matches to open the tournament, looked well on their way to a fourth straight victory after taking a 78-62 advantage heading into the final period.
But import Josh Dollard and two-time Most Valuable Player Willie Miller took over for Barako Bull, which scored the first 16 points of the fourth quarter to tie the game.
“They led by 16 points during the third quarter but my players continued to follow the gameplan,” said Barako Bull coach Bong Ramos. “Salute to my players.”
Miller scored a three-point play against Marc Pingris to finally give his team the advantage, 87-86. Peter June Simon quickly answered back to give the Mixers back the edge, before Dollard nailed a long three-pointer for a 90-88 lead with 1:15 left.
Barako Bull forced James Yap to a turnover and had a chance to seal the game. But the Mixers forced an airball on Dollard, and Yap fed Simon for a fastbreak layup with under a minute left.
San Mig Coffee foiled Miller’s next attempt, but Barako Bull came up with the offensive rebound with 39.8 seconds left. He set up Mick Pennisi for an open three-point attempt that failed to find target, but Barako Bull once again recovered possession.
Ronjay Buenafe made a backdoor cut and was fouled by Simon with 7.9 seconds left. The hotshot guard made both attempts, giving Barako Bull a 92-90 lead.
The Mixers had a golden chance to send the game into overtime, but Mark Barroca, missed a wide-open runner to allow Barako Bull to escape.
Dollard led all scorers with 32 points, while Miller added 19 points and 10 assists.
BAR 92 – Dollard 32, Miller 19, Intal 10, Marcelo 7, Deutchman 6, Pennisi 6, Fortuna 5, Buenafe 5, Wilson 2, Lastimosa 0, Pena 0, Miranda 0.
SMC 90 – Mays 20, Devance 17, Simon 16, Yap 12, Barroca 10, Pingris 8, Melton 3, Sangalang 2, Reavis 2, Mallari 0.
QS: 18-26, 49-47, 62-78, 92-90
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| James Mays gets bottled up under the basket. |
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| Josh Dollard goes up against Joe Devance and the Mixers. |
Recap by Rey Joble/InterAKTV.
Images by Nuki Sabio/PBA and Paul Ryan Tan/Sports 5.
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