Arboleda’s last triple came at the final 3:48 mark which ushered the Energy to an 83-72 lead at the Mindanao Civic Center and eventually to a level 4-4 card that kept them mathematically in the hunt for a playoff berth.
The loss was the first in three games for the B-Boys and fifth in eight games overall which formally put an end to their gallant stand in the import-spiced event as they joined idle Rain or Shine in taking an early break with still a game left in their schedule.
It was a stirring comeback completed by the Energy, who trailed by 15 at the half before coming into the third period with renewed zest after getting a thorough tounge-lashing from coach Junel Baculi in the dugout.
“They were so relaxed (in the first half),” Baculi said. “Their experience showed in the second half and they played more aggressively. Wynne hit big triples and everyone contributed. I give all credit to the guys, they deserve this win.”
Meanwhile, Talk ‘N Text coach Chot Reyes is not hiding the fact that he drools over Jackson Vroman.
“Vroman is perhaps the most skilled import around,” Reyes said on the eve of his Tropang Texters’ match with Barangay Ginebra, when the two squads owning contrasting streaks battle it out today in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations.
“He makes Ginebra, the deepest team in the PBA, so much better,” Reyes continued as Talk ‘N Text tries to move closer towards the No. 1 spot in the playoffs in their 6:30 p.m. clash with the Gin Kings at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Ginebra may have gotten deeper with the acquisition of Vroman several weeks back, but that has not translated into results that the Kings obviously want.
With a 3-3 record, the Kings are reeling from two straight setbacks, going 1-2 even with the help of the supremely-talented Vroman.
The scores:
BARAKO BULL 89—White 18, Miller 17, Arboleda 15, Seigle 12, Najorda 8, Allado 6, Tubid 5, Pennisi 3, Peña 2, Aquino 2, Lanete 1
MERALCO 82—Barron 28, Mercado 12, Macapagal 9, Cardona 8, Ross 6, Timberlake 5, Espinas 5, Hugnatan 4, Taulava 3, Borboran 2
Quarters: 13-19, 28-43, 59-60, 89-82