PBA: Meralco routs Barako Bull for a semifinals seat

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco import Mario West outplayed Barako Bull counterpart Mike Singletary in every way possible as the Bolts steamrolled past the listless Energy Cola, 86-68, to barge into the semifinals of the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

West anchored Meralco on both ends of the floor to finish with 25 points on an array of dazzling moves to the basket on top of seven rebounds and four assists.

“We made the necessary stops. Singletary did not even hit 15 points. It was really our defense. It made our game a lot easier because of the way we played defense.  Our defense held up tremendously tonight,” said Meralco head coach Ryan Gregorio, whose squad faces the winner between San Mig Coffee and Alaska in its first ever semis appearance in a Final Four format.

“His (Mario West) total package is beyond description. He is the most vocal person in the locker room. He does not only speak, he makes sure he follows it by action,” Gregorio, who also praised the work put in by his assistant coaches especially Jong Uichico, marveled. “There’s no better guy in anchoring our defense than Mario West.”

Barako Bull just didn’t have enough firepower — with its reinforcement Singletary seemingly unengaged — to keep up with the high-voltage Meralco side, which continue to get solid contributions from its veteran big man Reynel Hugnatan.

Singletary, who came in averaging a league-leading 36 points per game, hit just nine points — taking just 10 attempts with five turnovers and five fouls.

Hugnatan notched a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds on top of two blocks.

Despite Singletary’s poor play, the Energy Cola managed to trim the Bolts’ lead down to nine, 71-62, before West restored order for his team — stretching the advantage back to 16, 80-64, on a three-point play with 5:12 remaining.

“We’re happy that we’re here but the task is not yet over. We’ll just continue to climb the ladder.”

Ronjay Buenafe paced Barako Bull with 23 points and eight rebounds while Keith Jensen chipped in 10 points.