CLIFF Hodge ofMeralco Bolts (7) disputes possession with Jake Pascual of Barako Bull in their PBA game last night. AUGUST DELA CRUZ
Active on social media, Meralco forward Reynel Hugnatan usually posts video clips of his workouts on image sharing site Instagram.
Last night, Hugnatan created a different kind of highlight reel with a career performance that lifted Meralco to a thrilling 112-108 double overtime victory over Barako Bull in the 2014 PBA Philippine Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The veteran from Talisay City, Negros Occidental, pumped in 28 points, including a perfect 10-of-10 from the foul line, and grabbed seven rebounds as the Bolts opened the new season under coach Norman Black on a positive note. It was the highest score for the 11-year veteran whose last best output came nine seasons ago with 24 points while playing for Alaska.
“That was a well-earned win for us today,” said Black. “We really had to work very hard for the win.”
Meralco could not execute on its final possession with the game tied at 90 as Denok Miranda stole the ball from Gary David, forcing the first extra period. Chico Lanete forced the second overtime with a layup with a tenth of a second remaining.
But the Bolts mustered enough strength in the second five-minute extension with Hugnatan, John Wilson, and Cliff Hodge rising to the challenge. The Energy were still in the game after RR Garcia drained a tough corner three-pointer, but Hugnatan showed steady hands from the free throw line as he iced the game with two charities with 4.1 seconds remaining.
“Barako Bull played inspired ball with its new coach and they came out with a lot of fire,” said Black, whose team was undefeated during the preseason. “We played zone to take them out of their rhythm. It’s a good start for us. It was a bit of a struggle but we played well down the stretch.”
Sean Anthony added 14 markers and nine boards, while Wilson added 13 points and seven rebounds for Meralco.
Barako zoomed to a 15-point lead behind JC Intal’s three triples that boosted the energy to a 15-point lead, 43-28.
The scores:
MERALCO 112—Hugnatan 28, Anthony 14, Wilson 13, Atkins 10, Hodge 10, Ferriols 10, Dillinger 7, David 6, Cortez 4, Sena 4, Guevarra 4, Morrison 2, Buenafe 0, Ildefonso 0, Macapagal 0.
BARAKO 108—Lanete 21, Intal 20, Wilson 16, Miranda 15, Garcia 14, Lastimosa 6, Pennisi 5, Marcelo 4, Pascual 4, Fortuna 3, Salva 0, Salvador 0, Paredes 0.
Quarterscores: 19-25, 45-54, 71-76, 90-90 (reg), 101-101, 112-108