Barakos tie series, 1-all

The Red Bull Barako lived up to its billing as they beat the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 86-83, surviving Game 2 of their best-of-seven semifinal series in the PBA San Mig Coffee Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Excellent scoring contributions from locals led by Cyrus Baguio, who scored all of his first 10 points in the second quarter, defined the solid defense of the Kings even as they were hobbled by costly turnovers.

With Barako import James Penny in foul trouble, he still managed to lift his team to victory as his two crucial triples late in the fourth period broke the back of the Kings.

The Barakos were down by three, 82-79, just over a minute left in the fourth period but Penny hit a triple to tie the count at 82-all, for the third deadlock in the ballgame.

Penny, later on hit what could be the biggest triple of the night on top of the foul line as it gave the Barakos an 85-82 lead, down 50 seconds in the contest.

Mick Pennisi then halved his charities to give the Barakos an 86-83 lead only four ticks left to seal the ballgame and tie the series at one game apiece.

In sustaining a minor run by the Kings, the Barakos' fastbreaks orchestrated by Baguio and Cebuano point guard Jimwell Torion enabled the latter to take a 45-35 lead at the start of the third canto yet the Kings did not waste time in catching up to face only a one-point deficit at the end of the third period, 59-60.

Penny, who scored 35 points in a losing cause in Game 1, 100-105 in overtime, again led the offense last night as he collected 25 markers along with 17 boards and three shotblocks.

The Barakos played physical on Kings import Chris Porter, who finished with 30 points.

Jayjay Helterbrand, Mark Caguioa and Rodney Santos were also scoring huge for the Kings last night but the missing factors were Eric Menk and Rommel Adducul who were having scoring problems.

The Barakos and the Kings will dispute for a 2-1 lead in tomorrow's Game 3.