BARAKO BULL DOWNS ALL-PINOY SAN MIG CREW
With health and chemistry woes, Barako Bull still came out good enough to win its opening game in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, topping the import-less defending champion at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
Josh Urbiztondo and Jonas Villanueva both dished out an impeccable game against their former team as the Energy Cola started out triumphantly with their retooled lineup, repulsing the San Mig Coffee Mixers, 79-75.
Hit by injuries to JC Intal, Sean Anthony, Celino Cruz, Rico Villanueva and Emman Monfort, Barako Bull got some break with San Mig Coffee import Matt Rogers downed by food poisoning.
Rogers, a former Charlotte Bobcat and Indiana Pacer, was admitted in a hospital on the eve of the match.
“San Mig played without an import but they still did well. It’s good that we’re still able to pull through,” said Barako Bull coaching consultant Rajko Toroman.
“We have our own health problems and it’s important that we get this win. It’s important for the players, an indication that they can do better in this conference,” added Toroman, coming on board following Barako’s ninth-place finish in the Philippine Cup.
Barako Bull sports a new look with new players that include Villanueva, JC Intal, Allein Maliksi and Mark Macapagal.
Villanueva made quite an impact in his Barako Bull debut, teaming up with fellow ex-San Mig Coffee mainstay Urbiztondo as they gave the Energy Cola a big lift versus James Yap and company.
The two combined for 33 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists while import Evan Brock came through with 18 markers and 12 boards.
“Our import didn’t look impressive but he’s working hard. He’s amazing defensively. He gets few touches but he’s very effective,” said Toroman of Brock who led the Indonesian Warriors to the ABL championship last season.
Yap put in a game-high 19 points with Rafi Reavis and PJ Simon adding 13 and 11, respectively, for the losing team.
Even without an import, San Mig Coffee dragged Barako Bull to a battle, fighting the Energy Cola through eight deadlocks and 16 lead changes.
A three-point play by Reavis off Macapagal had the Mixers taking the lead for the last time at 71-69 with 1:58 left to play.
But back-to-back errors by Alex Mallari and Reavis opened an opportunity for the Energy Cola to race ahead, 73-71, and they held on to the finish.
Danny Seigle drilled in a trey to all but wrap up their win at 76-71 with 30 seconds left. (SB)
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