Pascual has career game as Barako posts 1st win at Kia’s expense

Jake Pascual of Barako Bull (dark) vs Alvin Padilla of KIA (light). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines —Rookie Jake Pascual had a breakout game and Barako Bull finally won — defeating Kia, 87-71, in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Pascual, the eighth overall pick, posted a double-double with 22 points and 12 rebounds to give the Energy their first victory after a 0-5 start.

“Hopefully we’ll use this game as a springboard,” said Barako Bull head coach Koy Banal.

“We’ve been talking about this to play his breakout game. He has a positive attitude and he was able to come out really strong this game,” Banal said of the former San Beda star Pascual.

The Sorento kept the game close up until the midway mark of the third before the Energy applied pressure and forced a slew of turnovers that led to easy points.

LA Revilla had 21 points while Reil Cervantes added 15 for the Sorento. The team, courtesy of Pacquiao himself, flies to Macau on Saturday to watch the Filipino ring icon’s title bout against unbeaten American Chris Algieri on Sunday.

Following up its first win promises to be a stiff challenge for Barako Bull with undefeated Alaska next in its schedule on Wednesday.

“Anything’s possible if you believe in it. That’s what I’ve been reminding our players,” Banal said.

Banal also said that veteran big man Dorian Peña would start practicing with the team on Monday. Peña has been out for eight months due to an achilles injury.

“He’s still far from his game shape.”

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