Adam Parada of Alaska is harass from behind by Chukwunike Okosa of Barako Bulls INQUIRER PHOTO/AUGUST DELA CRUZ
MANILA, Philippines—Barako Bull picked its game up after a slow start to pull away from Alaska, 103-90, Sunday and take a 1-0 headstart in their best-of-three quarterfinals series in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Energy, who went with an all-Filipino lineup the majority of the game, trailed by 14 points early before their outside shooting clicked.
Back to back lay-ups from Wynne Arboleda sealed the deal as Barako Bull charged to a 101-88 buffer with 1:58 left.
Ronald Tubid topscored with 24 points while Danny Seigle came through with 21 points.
Nigerian import Chukwunike Okosa, who replaced Rodney White, played just 11 minutes.
Cyrus Baguio paced the Aces with 20 points to go along with nine rebounds.
Barako Bull will look to close things out on Wednesday in Game 2 to be held in the same venue.