Video by INQUIRER.net’s Ryan Leagogo
RIZAL, Philippines — Purefoods Star needed a big run in the fourth quarter to beat an inspired Kia side, 88-77, in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Hotshots went on a 23-6 run to highlight their blistering fourth quarter, where they scored 38 points alone to break loose from the Sorento, who got a major boost with the return of their playing-coach Manny Pacquiao at the sidelines.
Mark Barroca of Purefoods (dark) vs Eder Saldua of KIA (light). NUKI SABIO/PBA
“They were certainly inspired tonight. Kia just played an inspired game,” Purefoods head coach Tim Cone noted.
“Their defense was outstanding through the first three quarters, they were hitting shots and they were obviously very inspired,” Cone added. “It was tough to meet their intensity and inspiration. We just didn’t have it throughout the game.”
Mark Barroca starred for Purefoods, which had to battle back from nine points down late in the third quarter, with 15 points, seven rebounds and five assists.
Joe Devance and Alex Mallari also came through for the Hotshots, who won their fourth straight game after starting the conference at 1-3, with 16 and 12 points, respectively.
Barroca, Devance and Mallari alone outscored Kia’s total output in the final frame, 31-20, with Devance scoring 13 points.
A one-hander by Devance tied the game at 63 before his 3-pointer at the 8:46 mark of the last quarter gave Purefoods its first lead, 66-63, since trailing, 43-52.
The feisty guard Barroca pushed Purefoods’ lead to 11, 76-65, after a steal on LA Revilla and a breakaway layup at the other end with 6:34 left.
The Sorento, who dropped their eighth straight setback against one win, never recovered and their sweet shooting in the third quarter suddenly turned sour when it mattered most.
Pacquiao, coming off a masterful win over Chris Algieri last Sunday in Macau, was in his complete uniform but did not enter himself in the game.
The WBO welterweight champion drew cheers from the fans the moment he came out during warmups and every shot he took got the sellout crowd in a frenzy. He was honored at center court by the league with commissioner Chito Salud and Mayor Junjun Ynares, awarding him the game ball prior to tipoff.