Barako survives David's explosion, subdues Meralco

PBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

PASIG--Barako Bull staved off a big scoring game from Gary David and trounced Meralco, 108-106, in a PBA match-up at the PhilSports Arena on Sunday.

The Energy romped the Bolts despite a 40-point show and a late gallant stand from David.

Barako led, 108-100, with 1:15 left in the ball game, but Mac Baracael gave up a silly foul on David while the latter took a triple four seconds later. David sank all his three charities to cut the lead to just five.

Meralco was given some more daylight when Barako missed four consecutive free throws, and David made his opponent pay for the botched freebies as he drained a triple with 29 seconds remaining to further trim the gap to two, 108-106.

The Bolts had a chance to tie the game when R.R. Garcia misfired on a field goal and Chris Newsome collared the board with 19 seconds left.

But after a timeout, Reynel Hugnatan lost the ball and the Energy were able to waste away the time without getting fouled.

Josh Urbiztondo tallied 24 markers off the bench for Barako Bull, which moved up to 2-2 while further dropping Meralco to 0-4.

Box Scores:

Barako Bull 108-Urbiztondo 24, Garcia 18, Wilson 17, Monfort 12, Intal 9, Cruz 8, Pennisi 6, Baracael 5, Lanete 3, Caperal 2, Miranda 2, Sorongon 2, Fortuna 0

Meralco 106-David 40, Newsome 12, Hugnatan 10, Amer 9, Alapag 7, Nabong 7, Caram 6, Dillinger 5, Al-Hussaini 4, Faundo 4, Sedurifa 2, Hodge 0

Quarterscores: 32-23; 56-52; 79-82; 108-106