Tigers defuse Bulls late rally, share lead

Coca-Cola overcame a late surge by Red Bull, checking its two-game slump with a 89-85 decision last night in the Gran Matador Brandy PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Denok Miranda scored a new career-high 21 points, including two charities with time down to five seconds that bailed the Tigers out of trouble in the contest.

Snapping a two-game losing skein, the Tigers regained a share of the lead with the San Miguel Beermen on their identical 5-2 win-loss records. The Bulls slid to 3-4.

The Tigers drew a big break in the closing seconds when the referees didn’t make a call on a midair collision between Cyrus Baguio and Dale Singson with the Red Bull forward attacking the Coca-Cola defense for a possible equalizer.

The Bulls had narrowed down a nine-point deficit to two and gained a chance to force an overtime when the refs opted to let go of that particular play.

Quickly fouled by the Bulls in the ensuing play, Dennis Miranda coolly sank the two charities to give the Tigers a decisive four-point lead.

Earlier, Mick Pennisi, Larry Fonacier and Topex Robinson trapped John Arigo at mid-court, forcing the Coca-Cola wingman to lose possession, then the Bulls went to Baguio for the make-or-break offensive play.

A no-call by the refs on Baguio’s collision with Singson sealed their second straight defeat following a loss to the Purefoods Chunkee Giants Friday.

Billy Mamaril and Will Antonio provided Miranda a big help with the former firing 18 points and the latter hauling down a career best 18 rebounds on top of six points.

With his team getting back on track, Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis could become the first rookie mentor to coach in an All-Star Game since Al Chua’s stint in the mid-season spectacle in 1999. Favis could clinch the job with a win over the Sta. Lucia Realtors in their game Sunday.

The 2006 All-Star Game is set late this month in Cagayan de Oro City.

"I’m not thinking of it right now. There are a lot of things to do with this team as it is," said Favis.

Mick Pennisi, Larry Fonacier and Lordy Tugade paced the Bulls with 19 points apiece with coach Yeng Guiao deciding to keep him on the bench after a mediocre stint in the first half.

Coke sat on an 83-74 lead going into the final two minutes before a triple by Tugade and four free throws by Pennisi cut it down to two, 83-81, with a minute to go.