Import ignites Energy charge over Tigers

MANILA, Philippines - Jamine Peterson erupted for 27 points and hauled down 18 rebounds in the first half then the locals took over as Barako Bull downed Powerade, 106-101, in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Danny Seigle, Sunday Salvacion, Willie Miller and Don Allado stepped up with Peterson slowing down in the second half as the Energy got off to a winning start in the tourney after narrowly missing the finals in the last conference.

Though bothered by cramps in the last two quarters, Peterson ended up with conference highs of 33 points and 22 rebounds while Seigle, Salvacion, Miller and Allado added at least nine points each.

“Our import over-exerted in the first half that’s why he was already complaining of cramps by the third quarter,” said Barako coach Junel Baculi.

“He’s 23 and not among those highly rated imports. He wants to prove something early. Hopefully, he can sustain what he’s trying to do,” Baculi added.

The Barako mentor said the whole team must be consistent if they’re to contend for the finals just as they did in the Commissioner’s Cup.

The Energy started strong, racing to an early 16-point spread at 27-11 before blowing hot and cold in the last three quarters.

They settled for a 50-49 halftime edge and were nursing only a two-point lead at 76-74 before they picked up their rhythm and regained control at 91-80 entering the last five minutes of play.

Rashad McCants, meanwhile, got his game going a little late, unable to save the Tigers from a second straight loss in the season-ending tourney.

Rain or Shine blew away an early 16-point lead but recovered in the crunch, topping Commissioner’s Cup champion B-Meg, 100-94, in overtime later in the night.

McCants made 14 points in the payoff period and finished with a total of 23 markers, 10 rebounds and three blocks against seven turnovers and five fouls.

Gary David top-scored for the Tigers with 25 points – his 16th straight game where he made at least 20.

Peterson started aggressively, piling up 13 points and seven rebounds in the fourth quarter.

He was still all over the floor in the next period and had made 4-of-11 three-pointers, 8-of-19 twinners and 5-of-8 charities by the half.

The former Providence College stalwart, however, started to feel the rigors of fatigue by the third period.

“I got a little winded in playing hard,” said Peterson after the game.