MANILA, Philippines - Injury-plagued Petron Blaze went to Dennis Miranda in the fourth quarter as it turned back a dangerous Barako Bull, 75-66, tonight to keep its stranglehold of the third spot in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Miranda led all scorers with 21 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter, when the Boosters launched the pivotal run in nailing their fourth straight win and seventh overall in 10 outings to keep their grip of the No. 3 position behind Talk N' Text (7-1) and Rain or Shine (7-2).
"I just played more aggressive in the fourth quarter, that helped me get this kind of game," said Miranda in Filipino.
Petron coach Ato Agustin was all praises on Miranda, who he think stepped up in the absence of talented rookie Chris Lutz, who was rested in the game after a recurring right hamstring injury.
"He really stepped up big for us because we're missing a lot of our key players and Alex (Cabagnot) and Arwind (Santos) had off nights," said Agustin, whose missing Jay Washington and Rabeh Al Hussaini due to injuries.
Arwind Santos scattered 15 points, 10 of which also came in the final canto, while Lordy Tugade, back from a hand injury that kept him in the freezer for four months, fired 11 points to help in the cause.
The Energy, who were led by Willie Miller and Dorian Pena with 16 points apiece, fell to their fourth defeat against five wins.
Mick Pennisi, who drilled three triples, was tossed out with less than two minutes remaining after incurring a flagrant foul one on Arwind Santos. He had a technical foul earlier to merit the ejection.
Wynne Arboleda drained a triple as the Energy seized a 62-60 lead but back-to-back baskets by Dennis Miranda and an inside stab by Arwind Santos gave the lead back to the Boosters, 66-62.
The Energy's guns went ablaze in the third period with Willie Miller and Dorian Pena pouring in eight markers apiece when they seized the momentum and a 52-51 advantage going into the final 12 minutes.
Petron Blaze bucked a slow start with Lord Tugade, back from a long, four-month layoff, and Dennis Miranda spearheading the attack in the second quarter when it outscored Barako Bull, 23-15 and snatch a 35-33 lead at the break.
Tugade, who last played in July, scored seven points in the second canto on a perfect shooting, while Miranda and seasoned Danny Ildefonso each had six points.