Meralco frustrates Barako Bull after another huge comeback

Gary David of Meralco (dark) vs Mick Pennisi of Barako (light). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco pulled off another valiant comeback, this time from 22 points down to frustrate Barako Bull, 105-98, and enter the quarterfinals of the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

After such a flat start which saw them trail by 0-14 then as many as 22 points in the second period, the Bolts just patiently worked their way back into the game in the second half.

“We started flat but in the game of basketball, you don’t lose in the first, second or third quarters, you have to play until the end,” said the eloquent head coach Ryan Gregorio.

The Bolts started the last period strong then stifled the Energy with a 9-0 run, all but one coming from import Darnell Jackson, which allowed them to stretch the gap to 96-88 with under four minutes to play.

Barako Bull had ample of time left to counter with a comeback of its own, but just couldn’t put together a solid run to boost its playoff chances.

Instead, the Bolts, who stunned Air21 late last month from an 18-point deficit, are advancing to the next round with a 4-4 record.

“This game was too important for us to let it slip away,” said Gregorio. “For some reason I gave my players too much pressure at the beginning.”

“If that’s the identity of the team, the ‘comeback kids,’ I don’t mind as long as we win in the end,” he said.

Down 22-44 with 7:22 left before halftime, guard Jared Dillinger sparked the comeback with back to back triples that helped Meralco come within 12 at the intermission.

Dillinger had 16 points on four-of-five shooting from downtown and added six boards, while Jackson dominated with 30 boards on a 54.5 shooting clip. Chris Timberlake set a career high in points with 12

For failing to sustain an impressive start, the Energy skid to 2-6 with their quarterfinal hopes slowly diminishing as the elimination round nears its close. Josh Dollard had 33 points in a losing effort.

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