Barako Bull on the run, overhauls Kia

MANILA, Philippines - Barako Bull, a team that had never won more than five games in a conference the last three years, has racked up three straight victories in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, beating Kia Motors, 95-86, before a good Sunday crowd at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Energy stoked the fire of their back-to-back wins over the Blackwater Elite and the Barangay Ginebra Kings as they repelled the Carnival coming off a big upset over the reigning Philippine Cup champions San Miguel Beermen for the franchise’s best start in a tourney since switching from Air21 to Barako Bull at the start of the 2012-13 PBA season.

Sol Alabi delivered a near triple-double performance with 26 points, 19 rebounds and eight blocks while JC Intal added 18 markers, four steals and three rebounds as Barako Bull spoiled Manny Pacquiao’s return on the Kia bench to gain a rare share of the lead with Meralco and Purefoods Star.

The Energy also dropped the Carnival to 1-3 four days after the latter posted an 88-78 upset of the Beermen.

“The goal was to make it three in a row. Everybody agreed on that, and we achieved it by playing good defense and making good decisions down the stretch,” said Barako Bull coach Koy Banal.

“Kia is a different team from the first conference. Even before the start of the conference, we knew they’re gonna be different specially with their acquisition of Leo Avenido, JR Cawaling and Mark Yee. Coaches Manny Pacquiao and Chito Victolero are inspiring them to walk extra mile,” Banal also said.

“They gave us scare. I’m glad our players were able to make good decisions down the stretch,” Banal also said.

“Talo talaga (We really lost),” said Pacquiao humbly.

Back in the country from his US trip just Saturday night, the boxing icon showed up in his Kia playing jersey but stayed on the bench, just calling the shots for the team.

Later in the night, Barangay Ginebra, using inside strength to the hilt, whipped San Miguel Beer, 95-82, for a first win in three starts in the mid-season tourney.

Mike Dunigan produced 29 points and 13 rebounds, Greg Slaughter added 18 markers and five boards and the whole Ginebra team pummeled San Miguel, 60-30, at the paint as the Kings finally got into the win-column following back-to-back losses to Meralco and Barako Bull.

Ronald Roberts scattered 32 points but Junemar Fajardo and Arwind Santos were neutralized as the Beermen reeled with a second straight loss.