Barako Bull shocks fancied Alaska

MANILA, Philippines -- Barako Bull distinguished itself the first team to hand Alaska Milk a loss this season as the Energy picked up from where they left off the last time out and ripped the Aces, 85-78, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Blasting the Kia Sorento, 87-71, Sunday, the Energy came back playing even better, stopping the Aces on their tracks after winning their first six games in the all-Filipino tourney.

Coach Koy Banal and his team went back-to-back after dropping their first five games against Meralco Bolts, the Globalport Batang Pier, the San Miguel Beermen, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters and the Barangay Ginebra Kings.

“I have to hand it over to the players, they came out ready to play. We did not do something extra ordinary with regards game plan, we just made it sure that we stayed focused and sharp all game long,” said Banal.

“Alaska is regarded for its non-stop action brand of game. The players came out ready not to stop moving. We pushed our activity level higher to match up with Alaska's,” Banal added.

Dennis Miranda, RR Garcia and Jake Pascual spearheaded the gutsy stand carrying Barako to the huge upset of the Aces.

Miranda fired four three-pointers and a total of 21 points, Garcia added two treys and a total of 18 markers while Pascual contributed 12 points and nine rebounds.

“If Alaska has (Calvin) Abueva, Barako has Denok (Miranda),” said Banal, making special mention of his burly point guard.

“Denok has got tremendous energy not just inside the court but off it. I appreciate his leadership. Same thing with the help of Mick (Pennisi) and Willy Wilson,” Banal added.

Elevated from being an assistant to head coach just before the start of the tourney, Banal believed it’s not yet late for his team to make a run in the tourney.

“It’s hard with the materials that we have. But everything is possible to those who believe. What we lack in materials, we’ll make it up with hard work,” he said.

Playing with their hearts out, the Energy overwhelmed the Aces with a torrid attack in the second period, pulling away to 49-31 at the half.

They stretched their lead to 54-33 at the start of the third period and cruised past the Aces who, before this game, had been on a perfect ride with stirring wins over Purefoods, Talk n Text, Meralco, San Miguel Beer, Kia and Blackwater.

Abueva came through with yet another double-double game with 16 points and 12 rebounds while Vic Manuel and JVee Casio combined for 28 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

The rest of the Alaska team were effectively neutralized by Barako, though.

The returning Sonny Thoss struggled with a 1-of-5 shooting for just two points while another Alaska starter Cyrus Baguio got away with just three markers.