Pennisi, Ababou deliver as Barako Bull outshines Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines—Mick Pennisi turned back the clock as Bakaro Bull outshone Rain or Shine, 106-102, and got back in the winning track Sunday in the 2011 PBA Philippine Cup.

Pennisi, scoring his best in the last four seasons with 22 points along with nine rebounds, looked good on the court—finishing on fastbreaks, knocking down the triples and making crucial free throws.

The 36-year-old center made 2-of-2 from the line in the final seconds and virtually secured Barako’s sixth victory and snapped a three-game losing skid.

“We were eager to play again and get back to the winning ways to stay in contention,” said Barako Bull head coach Junel Baculi.

Rookie Dylan Ababou also broke out of a slump, averaging two points in the last two games, and churned out 21 points and seven rebounds.

“Another factor is Dylan [Ababou]’s performance; the last two games he wasn’t present,” added Baculi.

The Elastopainters, on the other hand, failed to end the tailspin and absorbed their fourth straight loss on another close encounter.

Paul Lee finished with 24 points but misfired on another crucial triple at the buzzer, reminiscent of Rain or Shine’s last loss versus B-Meg.

But Lee did orchestrate Rain or Shine’s comeback in the payoff period where they brought down an 18-point lead down with five minutes left to just two, 100-102.

The Elastopainters, with a 7-5 record, are still ahead of the Energy by half a game in the standings at the tailend of the eliminations.