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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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04
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19
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
04
19
2024
Barako Bull continued to surprise in the 2015 Governors’ Cup, staying unbeaten in four games as they downed Meralco 105-99 Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
But the coach at the helm of the franchise’s best-ever start over the last eight years still didn’t sound impressed.
“This is the first time that we started slow. We allowed Meralco to outhustle us early on,” said Barako Bull coach Koy Banal. “(But) I’m thankful that the guys did not give up.”
Falling behind 31-12 early in the second quarter, Barako Bull slowly chipped away at the lead and completed the comeback with a 34-point third quarter to make it a game and even take the lead.
Joseph Yeo then took over in the fourth, going for 11 in the payoff period to finish with a team-high 28 points on a 5-of-13 shooting from threes, alongside six assists, also the most on the team.
“I’m thankful that Joseph Yeo ended up to us. Joseph was fantastic tonight,” said Banal of Yeo who equaled his highest output in a game over the last five season.
Liam McMorrow registered a double-double with his 19 markers and 23 boards while RR Garcia added 14 points and five rebounds.
Big guys Jake Pascual and Justin Chua were also big factors in the victory, as the two both got 12 points and combined for 10 boards, the latter equaling his career-high in scoring.
Pascual ahad his moments late, scoring on a jumper and converting on an inbounds play from Garcia to put Barako Bull up 103-99 1:06 left.
Barako Bull replicated its best start after last doing it in the 2007 Fiesta Conference, when the then-Air21 Express also had a four-game win streak to open the conference.
Andre Emmett led Meralco with 32 points, seven rebounds, and six assists while Cliff Hodge added 17 in the losing effort for the Bolts who fell to 2-3. (RL)
The scores:
BARAKO BULL 105 – Yeo 28, McMorrow 19, Garcia 14, Pascual 12, Chua 12, Lanete 8, Intal 5, Wilson 3, Lastimosa 2, Ababou 2, Hubalde 0, Maierhofer 0.
MERALCO 99 – Emmett 32, Hodge 17, Cortez 9, David 9, Ando 8, Anthony 7, Guevarra 7, Ferriols 4, Dillinger 2, Nabong 2, Ildefonso 2, Sena 0.
Quarterscores: 18-33, 41-52, 75-73, 105-99.
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