LeRoy Hickerson vs Mario West. PBA IMAGE/Nuki Sabio
MANILA, Philippines – Barako Bull held on to beat Meralco, 81-79, Sunday in the 2012 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Energy though blew a 17-point lead and a chance for an easier road to secure the last semifinals seat.
A Danny Seigle basket put Barako Bull up 77-60 at the 8:40 mark of the fourth quarter before import Mario West put Meralco on his back and carried the team to within, 78-80.
Leroy Hickerson had a team-high 22 points while Seigle added 16.
Seldom-used forward Dennis Daa made the most out of his limited playing time with five timely points in just eight minutes.
However, Daa failed to come through on two occasions. He split his free throws with 36.9 ticks left that would’ve tied the game before missing a wide open top-of-the-key jumper that would’ve put his team on top.
West exploded for 40 points on 17-of-26 shooting from the field. He also had four rebounds, five steals and a block in a losing effort.
Barako Bull will play again on Tuesday in a knockout game against Powerade with the winner facing Meralco the next day for the last semifinals slot.