Barako Bull spoils Pacquiao’s return to Kia, improves to 3-0

By: Mark Giongco - 10 years ago

Solomon Alabi of Barako slides past PJ Ramos of KIA. PBA Images/Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Barako Bull sent Kia crashing back to earth with a 95-86 win and spoiled the return of playing-coach Manny Pacquiao to the Carnival’s sidelines Sunday in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy never trailed and led by as many as 15, 37-22, before repelling a fourth-quarter rally by the Carnival, who came into the game exuding confidence after taking down Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beer last Wednesday.

“The goal was to make it 3-0. It has been a long time since this franchise has won three consecutive games,” said Barako Bull head coach Koy Banal. “It’s all about playing good defense and making good decisions.”

Kia pulled to within three twice with the last time on a triple by Leo Avenido, 77-74, with still 6:14 remaining, before Solomon Alabi scored eight of Barako Bull’s next 14 points including a jumper near the free throw line and two free throws that widened the Energy’s gap back to 10, 91-81, with 1:26 to go.

The 7-foot Nigerian Alabi posted 26 points, 19 rebounds and eight blocks against Kia’s 7-foot-3 giant PJ Ramos in a battle of two of the tallest imports this conference. Ramos, the 7-foot-3 Puerto Rican, scored half of his 34 points in the fourth quarter as he anchored the Carnival’s fightback. He also grabbed 20 rebounds.

With the win, Barako Bull joined Meralco and defending champion Purefoods at the top of the standings with a 3-0 record while Kia dropped to 1-3.

The last time Barako Bull won its first three games was back in the 2007 Fiesta Conference when the franchise was still Air21. That Air21 team, led by Arwind Santos and Gary David, started 4-0.

Athletic forward JC Intal led all locals in scoring with 18 points. The former Ateneo star also had four steals for Barako Bull, which was able to plug the hole left by Sol Mercado. Mercado sat out due to a foot injury he sustained in the final minute of the Energy’s 69-68 squeaker over Barangay Ginebra last week.

Guards RR Garcia, Carlo Lastimosa, Paolo Hubalde and Chico Lanete combined for 33 points – to fill in for Mercado. Hubalde scored seven of his nine points in the fourth period.

Pacquiao, who rued his team’s carelessness with the ball after the game, made his first appearance as coach in the conference after appearing only thrice at the Kia bench in the PH Cup.

Kia committed 22 turnovers that netted Barako Bull 20 points at the other end.

Kia coach Pacquiao rues squad’s 22 miscues