Miller, Pennisi lead Barako Bull’s upset of Talk N’ Text

MANILA, Philippines—Anchored on the solid performances by its veterans, Barako Bull stunned defending champion Talk N’ Text, 100-86, Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup.

Willie Miller came through with a throwback performance as he scored 27 points and dished out six assists for the Energy which chalked up its second victory in three games.

Miller scored 12 of his total output, on a couple of swooshes from the field, in the payoff period where Barako doused the Texters’ expected uprising.

“I expected a big comeback. We held our composure when they were mounting a rally,” said head coach Junel Baculi.

Seasoned center Mick Pennisi, though, sizzled from downtown with four three pointers including the last, which gave them a 95-82 lead with 2:41 left to play.

Dylan Ababou also reprised his debut performance as he finished with 20 points in just 24 minutes, which went along with seven rebounds.

Barako held Talk N’ Text in a leash for most of the game while they piled on the points and led by as many as 20 points in the first half.

“We prepared hard for this game because they are a champion team. One factor was our defense,” added Baculi. “I was surprised they were up by that big at halftime.”

Talk N’ Text played without its key cogs Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams even as Jimmy Alapag had to play 15 minutes but only scored a trey in the fourth quarter.

Jayson Castro led the Texters, who were sidelined with their first loss of the conference, with 23 points while Ryan Reyes pitched in 16.