Monroe saves self, Barako, stops Aces

MANILA, Philippines - Sammy Monroe put up a solid game with his job on the line and Barako Energy Coffee checked a six-game slump with a 106-98 upset of Philippine Cup runner-up Alaska Milk in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium last night.

Monroe piled up 30 points and 14 rebounds, lifting the Energy Coffee Masters from the cellar with a second win after a triumphant opening game over the Sta. Lucia Realtors.

The Newberry College product went 2-of-7 from the three-point area and the Coffee Masters score a franchise season-high of 12 three-point conversions as they stunned the Aces, snapping their two-game run.

“We showed a winning attitude as we have to win games. That’s what we want to do,” said Barako coach Junel Baculi.

On Monroe’s status, Baculi reports that they’re thinking of looking for an import replacement are pure hearsay.

But Baculi himself had told The STAR the coaching staff and the team management met during the All-Star break to talk specifically about Monroe.

Whatever, Monroe stepped up his game versus Alaska, showing up Diamon Simpson.

Leo Najorda, Reed Juntilla and Yousif Aljamal also made impact, helping Barako buck the absence of injured key player Rob Wainwright.

“I think we’re peaking up as I see the team in practice. I guess we’re progressing,” said Monroe.

Baculi lauded the efforts of Monroe as well as defensive enforcers Chad Alonzo and Jerwin Gaco.

“My Bruise Brothers in Chad and Jerwin did a good defensive job on Diamon Simpson. Their effort really helped us win the game,” said Baculi.

With the team doing well on both ends of the court, the Coffee Masters built 11-point spreads in the second quarter and held on to the finish.

Alaska had a chance to tie but Simson missed two free throws with time down to 1:52.

With Olsen Racela and Joseph Yeo providing the spark coming off the bench in the third quarter, tournament leader San Miguel Beer fought back from 18-point deficits and upended B-MEG Derby Ace, 80-72, for a seventh win in eight games.