Energy outlast fancied Texters

ANTIPOLO, Philippines – Barako Bull’s senior brigade continued to showcase their old brilliance and savvy, pulling off a stirring 84-77 victory over defending champion Talk n Text in the opener of their PBA Commissioner’s Cup semifinals showdown at the Ynares Sports Center here last night.

Gabe Freeman scored only eight points after pouring 13 in the first quarter but grizzled warriors Danny Seigle, Dorian Peña, Wynne Arboleda and Willie Miller took over, giving the Energy the head start in their best-of-five series.

Seigle scattered 19 points, including nine in the final quarter, Peña got away with a double-double job with 12 rebounds and 11 markers while Arboleda banged away crucial back-to-back three-pointers as Barako (formerly Air21) scored only its second win in 18 matches with Talk n Text over the last four seasons.

“It’s a big upset and it came at a very opportune time,” said Barako coach Junel Baculi.

“I believe they will come back strong and we have to be ready. I’m confident the guys will be ready. They’re players showing that they can play some more games. They’re showing their big heart,” Baculi added.

The Texters were outworked by their older rivals, and it certainly didn’t help they lost Kelly Williams to injury so early in the game.

Williams sustained a cut below his left eye in a collision with Ronald Tubid, and TnT’s do-it-all forward was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital.

Minus Williams, the Texters were clobbered in rebounding, 45-67.

Freeman collared 16 rebounds with Peña, Seigle, Don Alado, Miller, Arboleda and Ronald Tubid hauling down at least four each.

The Energy held the Texters to a 33-percent shooting with their tough defense.

“It’s playoff time. We’re veterans and we know how to win games,” said Pena, who collected huge numbers while doing a good defensive job on Talk n Text import Donnell Harvey.

Peña teamed up with Seigle and Arboleda in a crucial 15-4 run to open the fourth quarter as the Energy established control at 73-62.

Barako’s oldies later on showed their poise and composure, coolly sinking pressure-packed free throws to seal the win.

The Texters threatened to break away early, opening a 42-33 spread, but the Energy scored the next nine points to tie the count with 2:13 left in the second quarter.

Talk n Text took the half at 43-42 on a gift shot by Larry Fonacier off a technical foul by Freeman with three-tenths of a second left.

After falling behind by nine, the Barako locals worked on a key run highlighted by a slam by Seigle on a feed by Tubid.

Freeman did practically everything for the Energy early on as they edged the Tropang Texters, 24-23, in the opening quarter.

The former two-time Best Import awardee went 6-of-9 from the field for 13 points in the first 12 minutes of play.