Buenafe scores timely baskets as Meralco defeats Barako Bull

Ronjay Buenafe against Enrico Villanueva. Photo by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Meralco hung tough in the fourth quarter to defeat Barako Bull 99-86 Wednesday in the 2012 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

From as high as 24 points, the Bolts saw their lead being chipped away slowly — but Ronjay Buenafe came up with timely buckets to preserve the gap en route to the win.

Buenafe scored six points in the final four minutes, halting the Energy’s fiery run which trimmed the Bolts’ edge to just six markers.

Sol Mercado poured all but six of his 22 points in the second quarter alone, but Meralco made it a 68-44 lead midway the third quarter.

Mark Cardona also chipped in 16 points, while Reynel Hugnatan — whose lone bucket in the fourth helped his squad survive — had 12 points, five rebounds and four dimes.

It was Meralco’s fourth win in six assignments, putting them on the top half of the standings early in the conference.

“We pretty much made sure we will match the emotions of Barako Bull, and best way (to do that) is to play defense,” said head coach Ryan Gregorio.

The Bolts, once again, held their opponents to under a 100 — which could’ve been even lower had they not allowed the Energy to surge back in.

Josh Urbiztondo led the Energy, who have lost second straight, not just with a team-high 14 points but also in the fourth quarter comeback.

Barako Bull, though, missed a lot of short stabs towards the end, missing on a chance to snatch a victory and improve its card, which is now at 2-5.

Enrico Villanueva finished with 13 points but missed 11 shots from the field, inside the paint — most of which could have helped the Energy down the stretch.