Big 4th quarter run propels Barako Bull past Star
Barako Bull’s Josh Urbiztondo takes a shot against Star’s Mark Barroca. Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Barako Bull went on a blistering fourth quarter run to foil Star’s attempt to seal a quarterfinals spot, 101-83, in the 2016 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Energy went on a 21-2 to turn a four-point deficit into an 88-73 lead after two free throws by Jeric Fortuna with 4:28 remaining.
“Our obligation is to give our best every game,” said Barako Bull head coach Koy Banal., whose team kept its bid for a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals alive. “I’ve got to hand this win to my veterans they responded after we lost to Blackwater in our last game.”
Josh Urbiztondo led Barako Bull with 24 points, 15 of which came from the 3-point area, while his fellow veteran players JC Intal and Willie Wilson added 18 points apiece as the Energy evened their win-loss record to 5-5 after losing to the Blackwater Elite, 116-92, last Friday.
Mick Pennisi also came up big for the Enegy especially on the defensive end with three blocks to go with his 14 points.
Fortuna, the former University of Santo Tomas star point guard, scored all of his 14 points in the fourth quarter to fill in the void left by RR Garcia, who missed the game due to a right shoulder injury.
Mark Barroca had 17 points to lead the Hotshots, who blew a chance to formalize their entry in the quarterfinals after squandering an 11-point lead in the third quarter.
Star guard PJ Simon was held scoreless after going 0-of-6 from the field. James Yap had 12 points but did not score in the fourth period.
A hook shot by Yousef Taha at the 6:46 mark of the fourth quarter was Star’s first basket after Barako Bull scored 13 unanswered points to start the final frame.
