Petron reins in Barako Bull, import

MANILA, Philippines - Petron Blaze handled former LA Laker DJ Mbenga with relative ease in defense and put in just enough effort in offense as the Boosters repulsed the Barako Bull Energy Cola, 88-77, to formalize their entry into the playoff phase of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Torched by Meralco import Eric Dawson with 57 points the last time out, the Boosters made a conscious effort to play tough defense and were amply rewarded, checking a three-game slide and clinching a quarterfinals seat with a 7-5 win-loss slate.

“After the last game, our battlecry for this game is defense. It’s embarrassing to allow your opponent score 57 points on you,” said Petron coach Olsen Racela.

“Last game was the first time this conference that we gave up 100 points. Going to this game, I told the guys ‘let’s concentrate on the defensive end.’ Giving up 77 points to Barako, which is an offensive-minded team, is an accomplishment,” Racela added.

Vernon Macklin scored on a strong drive in the last 7.9 seconds and Eric Dawson missed his at the buzzer as Barangay Ginebra stretched its run to six games and secured a slot in the playoffs with a 91-90 squeaker over Meralco later in the night.

“Grabe ang mga ipinasok noong dalawa (Ronjay Buenafe and Sunday Salvacion) galing sa pulot, but Ginebra refused to lose,” said Ginebra coach Alfrancis Chua.