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| Nuki Sabio/PBA |
By Dugout Philippines
Barako Bull made Blackwater feel the absence of Chris Charles in the fourth quarter.
Forced to play all-Filipino because of the import's injury, the Elites imploded in the pivotal final frame as the Energy walked away with a 92-70 victory in Day 2 of the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.
Blackwater, which finished the Philippine Cup without a win, seemed close to pulling a huge upset against Barako Bull featuring import Sol Alabi and new acquisition Sol Mercado as the latter only led by four, 62-58, after three quarters.
But the Energy outscored the Elites, 30-12, in the fourth as Alabi's presence forced the Elites to shoot from the outside.
Alabi finished with 21 points, 22 rebounds, and five blocks, while Mercado added 20 points for Barako Bull.
Brian Faundo led Blackwater with 16 points.
Barako Bull 92–Alabi 21, Mercado 20, Lanete 19, Intal 13, Wilson 5, Garcia 4, Pascual 4, Salva 3, Lastimosa 2, Hubalde 1, Pena 0, Marcelo 0, Salvador 0, Paredes 0, Sorongon 0
Blackwater 70–Faundo 16, Reyes 9, Heruela 9, Gamalinda 8, Ballesteros 7, Nuyles 6, Acuna 5, Erram 4, Laure 4, Bulawan 2, Charles 0, Timberlake 0, Celiz 0, Ciriacruz 0, Austria 0
Quarterscores: 23-17, 43-35, 62-58, 92-70
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