ANTIPOLO—Barako Bull and Alaska took contrasting routes toward staying perfect last night, with the Energy winning handily over Talk ‘N Text and the Aces barely surviving Rain or Shine.
Liam McMorrow, running practically unopposed underneath, towed the Energy to a 100-87 ripping of Talk ‘N Text, before the Aces scored a nail-biting 94-93 victory over the Elasto Painters as they kept their share of the early lead in the PBA Governors’ Cup eliminations at Ynares Center here.
The 7-foot McMorrow, quick and agile for his size, scattered 26 points and grabbed 28 rebounds and gave his local crew all the confidence they needed as the Energy battered the undermanned Tropang Texters all game.
Four locals tossed in twin digits for the Energy, who duplicated a same 3-0 start in the Commissioner’s Cup but are looking even better now with McMorrow around.
Sonny Thoss scored the last four Alaska points and import Romeo Travis finished with 23 points, 15 rebounds and five assists as the Aces dealt the Elasto Painters a second straight defeat.
Paul Lee, Rain or Shine’s super point guard, couldn’t rescue the Painters, who had possession with four seconds to go. Lee drove to the basket but was met by a double team and couldn’t fish a foul from Cyrus Baguio or JV Casio.
Dylan Ababou drained 17 points built around three triples for Barako Bull, while JC Intal fired 14 and RR Garcia 12 for the Energy, who dealt the Texters their first loss in two games.
Joseph Yeo, acquired from Barangay Ginebra in a pre-tournament deal, was the last local in double digits for Barako Bull with 12. His final basket, a triple, proved to be the dagger at the 2:11 mark which made it 92-82.
“We talked about landing a big fish (in Talk ‘N Text). We know they are not complete, but a win is a win,” Barako Bull coach Koy Banal said.
The scores:
First Game
BARAKO 100—McMorrow 26, Ababou 17, Intal 14, Garcia 13, Yeo 12, Wilson 7, Pascual 6, Hubalde 5, Lastimosa 0, Chua 0, Maierhofer 0.
TALK ‘N TEXT 87—Pettigrew 23, Washington 14, Miller 11, Daghles 10, Fonacier 8, Williams 7, Seigle 7, Rosser 4, Reyes 0, Carey 0.
Quarters: 25-14, 50-41, 73-59, 100-87
Second Game
ALASKA 94—Travis 23, Jazul 14, Manuel 13, Casio 11, Hontiveros 10, Abueva 7, Banchero 6, Thoss 4, Dela Rosa 2, Exciminiano 2, Menk 2, Baguio 0, Baclao 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 93—McKines 24, Cruz Jericho 16, Lee 13, Quiñahan 8, Almazan 8, Norwood 6, Cruz Jervy 6, Tang 5, Belga 3, Uyloan 2, Ibañes 2.
Quarters: 24-21, 42-43, 78-64, 94-93