PBA: Alabi hits game winner as Barako Bull nips Alaska

Barako Bull import Solomon Alabi. PBA Images/Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines — Nigerian import Solomon Alabi made the winning basket in overtime to lift Barako Bull over Alaska, 93-91, in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Tuesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome.

The 7-foot Alabi converted a putback off his own miss with 2.5 seconds left before Aces swingman Dondon Hontiveros misfired on a potential game-winning 3-pointer as the Energy arrested a two-game slide.

“The guys showed sense of urgency,” said Barako Bull coach Koy Banal. “We talked about it after losing back-to-back games. I just reminded them of our experience last conference where we lost five straight games.”

“I’m glad they delivered especially down the stretch.”

Alabi finished with 23 points, 19 rebounds and four blocks to offset his seven turnovers while getting frontcourt help from Dave Marcelo, who posted 18 points and eight rebounds.

The game went into overtime after Alaska import Damion James tied it at 85 on two free throws with 1:14 left in regulation. James though, had an ill-advised jumper that hit the front of the rim in the final possession in regulation.

“Our goal is to be in the middle of the pack. I just hope and pray we’ll be able to make the playoffs,” said Banal after his team joined Rain or Shine in second place with a 4-2 record.

Barako Bull guard Sol Mercado came back after missing three games due to a toe injury and had 15 points and four assists.

James knocked in 39 points and had 11 rebounds and five assists for the Aces, who slid to 2-4.