Powerade survives Barako Bull, 99-95, keeps semis bid alive

Don Allado vs Rommel Adducul. PBA IMAGES/Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Powerade survived the absence of Gary David as it edged Barako Bull, 99-95, Tuesday night to keep its semifinals hopes going in the 2012 PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

David got off to a hot start with 13 points in the first quarter but had to sit out the final three periods due to a left ankle sprain.

“Earlier I had mixed feelings with the absence of Gary David, but I know that any player can step up,” said Powerade head coach Bo Perasol.

Josh Vanlandingham responded to the challenge and picked up the scoring cudgels for the Tigers, who will face the Meralco Bolts Wednesday for the last semis slot.

Vanlandingham caught fire from deep with 12 of his 18 points coming from that range. He also added four rebounds.

“He made things happen for us. He was the catalyst on this game,” commended Perasol.

The Energy closed the gap to within four, 75-79, before the Tigers’ hot shooting kept them at bay.

JV Casio, Rey Guevarra and Sean Anthony also played a huge part with all three scoring 10 points apiece.

Casio nailed a floater that extended Powerade’s lead back to eight, 97-89, with 1:46 left.

Import Omar Sneed topscored with 24 points.

“It was also an overall team effort for us,” added Perasol.

Leroy Hickerson continued his scoring slump after his 51-point explosion as he only scored 20 points.

Danny Seigle added another 20 for Barako Bull, which gave up too many offensive rebounds down the stretch.

David couldn’t help his team as he watched far from the bench with his left ankle heavily taped.

Powerade won but can the Tigers do it again without him?

“If there’s a way for me to play, expect me to be in uniform tomorrow,” said David.