Photo by NUKI SABIO
MANILA, Philippines — Playing bit roles in the past, Mark Barroca came out huge in the biggest game of his life thus far.
The tireless point guard produced sterling results Wednesday night as the San Mig Coffee Mixers seized the PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup crown in dramatic fashion, 93-87, over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Barroca fired 14 points in the fourth, including eight straight in the closing minutes that finished off the Elasto Painters and the best-of-seven series in six games.
The title also gave Tim Cone a historic 16th PBA crown, making him the winningest coach in league history after breaking his tie with the legendary Baby Dalupan.
Dalupan legacy
“No one will ever equal Baby as the greatest coach that ever coached in this league,” said Cone after the franchise captured its sixth all-Filipino crown, the most in league history
“I’m just thrilled to be part of his (Dalupan) legacy,” added Cone. Barroca, on the other hand, narrowly won the PBA Press Corps Papa John’s Finals MVP over Marc Pingris and Joe Devance.
“I don’t think there’s a better two-way guard out there (than Mark). He’s as tough as nails,” said Cone The title-clincher was marred by a near walkout early in the second period by the Elasto Painters.
Coach Yeng Guiao herded his team to the locker room a minute into the second period after a foul on JR Quiñahan, drawing jeers from the massive coliseum.
PBA commissioner Chito Salud and league executive Willie Marcial followed the Elasto Painters in the dugout, had a brief talk with team owner Raymund Yu and persuaded them to return the floor.
Apparently overwhelmed by the stiff penalty, the Elasto Painters stormed back on the court after delaying the game for almost 10 minutes with the Mixers ahead, 30-17, 11:39 on the game clock.
Under league rules, the franchise would have coughed up P10 million in fines had the Elasto Painters pushed through with the walkout.
The act could cost Rain or Shine P2 million if the Commissioner’s Office considers the move a partial walkout.
Boone for Beermen
Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer will bring in Joshua “Josh” Boone as import for the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The 6-foot-9 Boone played for the New Jersey Nets for four seasons before the franchise transferred to Brooklyn.
Boone was picked 23rd overall by the Nets in the first round of the 2006 NBA Draft.
The scores:
SAN MIG COFFEE 93—Barroca 24, Sangalang 15, Devance 12, Pingris 12, Yap 10, Simon 9, Reavis 5, Mallari 4, Melton 2.
RAIN OR SHINE 87—Lee 23, Belga 21, Cruz 11, Chan 7, Quiñahan 6, Rodriguez 6, Araña 5, Tiu 3, Ibañes 3, Norwood 2, Almazan 0, Tang 0.
Quarters: 30-17, 49-43, 66-67, 93-87