Sol Mercado leads Barako Bull over import-less Blackwater

RR Garcia of Barako (dark) vs Alex Nuyles and Raffy Reyes of Blackwater (light). NUKI SABIO

MANILA, Philippines—Barako Bull took advantage of an import-less Blackwater side to win convincingly, 92-70, in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Newly acquired Sol Mercado looked like he needed little adjustment coming over to the Energy with 20 points on 7-of-11 shooting from the field in 28 minutes in his debut since being traded from Globalport.

“For one, they didn’t have an import but that’s not to take anything away from our team. We played really hard,” said Mercado, who was shipped in exchange for Denok Miranda.

“Coach just wants me to be on attack mode and be aggressive,” added Mercado, who also had three assists and three rebounds.

Barako Bull’s Nigerian import Solomon Alabi had his way against Blackwater’s locals with game-highs 21 points, 22 rebounds and five blocks.

“I can’t ask for more. He was the rim protector. I like his attitude. He has a positive influence in the team and that’s what you want from your import,” said Barako Bull head coach Koy Banal.

The Energy, who controlled the rebounding department, 56-45, went on a 13-0 run to start the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach, 75-58.

The Elite were left with a huge hole in the middle sans its import Chris Charles, who missed the game due to a hamstring injury.

“I thought we started well on the defensive end. Our goal is to allow our opponents to at least 22 points per quarter and in the first quarter we limited them to just 17 points and 18 points in the second quarter so that’s the story of the game,” said Banal.

“Right now, we are not missing the services of Denok Miranda. We got a gem as well in Sol Mercado. He did a good job in leading the team on both ends,” Banal added.

Bryan Faundo paced Blackwater, whose winless run has spilled over to the new conference after going 0-11 in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup, with 16 points and eight rebounds.