By Ric Arlos
Barako Bull raced to its first 3-0 start in a long time after drubbing Kia, 95-86, in their PBA Commissioner's Cup clash at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.
The Energy pulled away in the last five minutes to immediately send the Carnival, fresh from a huge upset against the San Miguel Beermen, back to earth.
After a Leo Avenido triple pulled Kia to within 74-77, Barako Bull outscored its opponent, 14-7, later in the fourth quarter to stretch the gap to ten and never looked back as the club is on its hottest start since 2007, when it was still known as Air21.
Sol Alabi scored 26 points to lead the Energy, who tied the Meralco Bolts and the Purefoods Star Hotshots anew at the top of the standings.
P.J. Ramos once again shone for the Carnival, who welcomed back Playing Coach Manny Pacquiao from his Miss Universe judging stint and a personal meeting with potential boxing opponent Floyd Mayweather, with 34 points.
Box Scores:
Barako Bull 95--Alabi 26, Intal 18, Lanete 10, Hubalde 9, Garcia 8, Lastimosa 6, Wilson 6, Marcelo 4, Pascual 4, Chua 2, Salvador 2, Salva 0, Paredes 0, Sorongon 0
Kia 86--Ramos 34, Buensuceso 14, Revilla 10, Cawaling 8, Avenido 7, Burtscher 6, Pascual 4, Dehesa 3, Poligrates 0, Webb 0, Alvarez 0, Yee 0, Ighalo 0
Quarterscores:22-13, 37-28, 66-56, 95-86
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