Denzel Bowels. PBA Images/Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines — Defending champion Purefoods Star continued its resurgence following a 103-96 win over skidding Barako Bull for its third straight victory in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Tuesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Denzel Bowles scored 21 of his 34 points in the third quarter where the Hotshots gained control before holding off the Energy’s fourth-quarter rally. Bowles also had 17 rebounds and two blocks.
“We had a good defensive game plan in the second half but we got sloppy in the end,” said Purefoods head coach Tim Cone.
“But I thought our team showed real grit the whole night,” Cone added. “The game didn’t start the way we wanted. We didn’t have the energy that we normally have and we kind of have to really reach deep so I thought we played with some real grit tonight and that’s the kind of stuff that wins in the playoffs.”
Bowles’ corner triple stretched Purefoods’ lead to 10, 72-62, late in the third quarter before Mick Pennisi extended it to 14, 91-76, on a rare four-point play early in the fourth period.
Barako Bull forward JC Intal cut the deficit to five, 97-92, on a 3-pointer with 1:06 left but Marc Pingris’ basket kept the Energy at bay with 46 seconds remaining.
Purefoods, which came off a grueling 118-117 win over Talk ‘N Text in triple overtime last Saturday in Davao, hiked its record to 7-3 earning a half game lead over idle Talk ‘N Text and Rain or Shine.
Solomon Alabi posted 29 points, 19 rebounds and three blocks for the Energy, who dropped their fourth consecutive loss and fell to 4-6.
Cone also praised his bench which contributed 37 points. Swingman Allein Maliksi had 13 off the bench while Pennisi added seven.
With the playoffs already around the corner, Cone has been giving his ailing stars PJ Simon and James Yap much-needed rest.
Yap played just 18 minutes and had six points while Simon logged close to 21 minutes and scored three points. Both players have missed some games this conference due to injuries.
Purefoods, which assured itself a slot in the top five, winds up its elimination round campaign against league-leading Meralco on Friday.