Barako Bull guard RR Garcia attacks the defense of TNT in the first half. PBA IMAGES
Willie Wilson had a career game and Barako Bull outlasted TNT, 105-98, in overtime in the 2016 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Wilson, the 35-year-old forward who has been playing the best basketball in his 12th season in the league, recorded career-highs with 28 points and 20 rebounds.
RR Garcia added 22 points while JC Intal posted a double-double with 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Energy, who rose to 4-4.
“Number one key to this game is our sense of urgency,” said Barako Bull head coach Koy Banal. “We’ve been emphasizing to the team to having that sense of urgency after that heartbreaking loss to San Miguel. Now, from start to finish they showed it.”
“We just worked hard and played big,” said Wilson, who had six more rebounds than the Texters’ starting frontline of Harvey Carey and Mo Tautuaa.
Troy Rosario hit two pressure-packed free throws with 15.5 seconds left tied the game at 97-all sent the game into OT. Rosario just missed a double-double with 19 points and nine rebounds.
Jayson Castro nearly made the game-winning 3-pointer before time ran out. Castro scored TNT’s only point in the extra period to finish with 19 points that went with five rebounds and six assists. Tautuaa, the top overall pick in this year’s Draft, also set his career-high in scoring with 20 points.
TNT guard Ryan Reyes reached a milestone after recording 501 steals after the game. The Texters, who slid to 4-3, got out-rebounded, 68-51.