PBA: McKines’ free throws complete Alaska rally past Barako Bull

Wendell McKines of Alaska (dark) vs Mick Pennisi of Barako Bull (light)

MANILA, Philippines — Stocky import Wendell McKines sank the game-winning free throws to push Alaska past Barako Bull, 91-89, in the 38th PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

McKines grabbed the offensive rebound off a miss freebie by Tony dela Cruz and was fouled underneath by Barako Bull big man Enrico Villanueva before burying the go-ahead points at the line with 12.9 seconds left.

But more than anything else, Aces head coach Luigi Trillo commended his team’s effort at the defensive end.

“Nice to win one with our defense. I noticed in our losses, we lacked that edge in us. The playoffs moving forward it’s all about defense,” said Trillo after his squad stopped a two-game slide and keep its chances at a top four finish going.

McKines finished with 21 points, 15 rebounds and four assists to offset his six turnovers while Cyrus Baguio accounted for the Aces’ last five points during a telling 11-2 run that turned an eight-point deficit into an 88-87 edge in just a span of a little less than two minutes.

Baguio ended up with 15 points, seven rebounds and three assists, including a dish to an open dela Cruz for a baseline jumper with 1:15 left.

Barako Bull import Michael Singletary, who dropped 38 points, gave the lead back to the Energy, 89-88, on a finger roll with 23.5 seconds remaining before dela Cruz and McKines combined to hit three-of-four at the charity stripe.

Ronjay Buenafe added 12 more for Barako Bull but was off-the-mark down the stretch including a  miss on a wide-open trey from the left wing that could’ve won the game for the quarterfinals-bound Energy, who ended their elimination round campaign at 4-5.

“Kudos to Barako they don’t have their starting point guard, they fight hard every game,” added Trillo, who also praised his veteran forward dela Cruz’s solid play down the stretch.

Barako Bull missed the services of its playmaker Emman Monfort due to a finger injury.

The start of the game we were tense.  We came out we were a little bit out of control. They settled down in that second quarter.

“We feel good, guys are healthy. I think we’re starting to peak. I think it set us up for a chance at the top four.”

JVee Casio also came through in the clutch with two crucial triples en route to a 14-point outing. Calvin Abueva scored seven points before fouling out with still 6:36 to go.