PBA: Barako Bull regroups in the fourth to defeat Ginebra

PBA IMAGES by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—A quick start in the fourth quarter helped Barako Bull arrest a two-game slide and overcome Ginebra, 92-82, Friday in the 2012 PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

After seeing its double digit lead turn into a deficit at the turn of the third quarter, the Energy banked on a 6-0 run to regain the driver’s seat for the rest of the game.

Sean Anthony sizzled with 21 points, while Josh Urbitzondo added 19 points then Mick Pennisi—who unraveled the dagger with a minute half to go—added 11 markers.

“Fortunately for us, we caught Ginebra on a bad night,” said head coach Junel Baculi as his squad limited the LA Tenorio to just six markers.

“Sean Anthony adjusted well tonight,” said Baculi of his top scorer.

Pennisi nailed a triple from top of the key, giving Barako Bull a nine-digit lead after another miss from the Kings, who suddenly lost steam in the fourth.

The Energy made it a 57-44 advantage early in third quarter, but couldn’t hold on to it as the Kings used their speed to neutralize things.

Mark Caguiao heated up in the third quarter, snatching the lead for Ginebra—finishing with 21 points, two rebounds and two assists.

But Caguiao failed to draw solid help for his teammates as only Kerby Raymundo and Chris Ellis scored for the Kings in the final frame, combining for seven points.

LA Tenorio struggled with six points on 2-of-8 shooting and five turnovers, but still had seven rebounds, six assists for the Ginebra, which absorbed its second setback.