MANILA, Philippines—Joe Devance scored 26 points and import Denzel Bowles bucked early foul trouble to contribute 19 points and 13 rebounds as B-Meg Derby Ace repulsed Barako Bull, 88-86, to seize the solo lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Plagued with four fouls right in the first half, the 6-foot-10 Bowles played smartly and provided the size and strength his team badly needed against Barako’s massive frontcourt.
“He played more like a veteran down the stretch and you can see the impact that he brings,” said B-Meg coach Tim Cone.
“When Denzel’s on the floor, he’s a dominant guy. He has to learn that there are certain fouls he doesn’t have to give,” he added.
Willie Miller had a slim chance to forge overtime with the clock winding down but his desperation shot bounced off the rim.
Miller’s fadeaway had pushed Barako ahead, 83-81, but the Llamados responded with six straight points in the final three minutes to secure the win.
Devance’s scoop shot in the lane and runner with 2:03 left sandwiched Bowles’ semi-hook underneath as the Llamados duplicated their escape act against the Meralco Bolts.
“We weren’t doing anything right in the first half. But we came out with more focus from the dugout,” said B-Meg coach Tim Cone.
Down by as many as 12 points, the Llamados reorganized after halftime with Marc Pingris providing the spark and Devance finding holes in the Barako defense.
Pingris registered a career milestone after getting his 1,000 offensive rebound early in the fourth.
Jarrid Famous tallied 26 and 17 rebounds and Mark Borboran had 18 points and 11 boards as the Meralco Bolts rebounded in a big way by thumping the Petron Blaze Boosters, 105-83, in the second game.
The Bolts, who clamped down on Petron’s locals and scored 25 points in transition, pulled away in the second quarter to keep the Boosters winless in two games.
The scores:
First Game
B-MEG 88—Devance 26, Bowles 19, Yap J. 14, Pingris 9, Intal 8, Urbiztondo 4, De Ocampo 3, Reavis 2, Yap R. 2, Barroca 1, Simon 0.
BARAKO 86—Johnson 21, Allado 14, Pennisi 12, Miller 9, Tubid 8, Peña 7, Arboleda 5, Salvador 4, Lanete 2, Andaya 2, Najorda 2.
Quarters: 26-23, 41-52, 69-71, 88-86
Second Game
MERALCO 105—Famous 26, Borboran 18, Cardona 16, Espinas 13, Artadi 8, Ross 7, Macapagal 6, Taulava 6, Hugnatan 5, Yee 0.
PETRON 83—Fazekas 33, Cabagnot 15, Lutz 11, Ildefonso 8, Yeo 6, Miranda 3, Reyes 2, Santos 2, Tugade 2, Al-Hussaini 1.
Quarters: 25-22, 56-39, 78-62, 105-83