Barako Bull defeats Alaska

Willie Miller sparkled with 25 points and import Dermarr Johnson showed potential with a decent all-around numbers as Barako Bull ripped Alaska Milk, 98-78, in a hot start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

The Energy overwhelmed the Aces, proving they made good use of their early exit in the Philippine Cup to prepare for the mid-season tourney featuring imports of unlimited height.

“Yes, our long break helped. We’re able to study what went wrong in the first conference. And we’d got our import planing in early,” said coach Junel Baculi whose Barako team was ousted by Talk n Text in the Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

“But it’s too early to tell. We were like this in the first conference but we choked. Hopefully, we learn from our mistakes,” Baculi added.

Johnson, a wiry 6-foot-9 player looking comfortable to play from inside and out, debuted in the local pro loop with 19 points, eight rebounds, three blocks, two assists and two steals in 35 minutes of action.

“He’s a good import. He can be good if the locals will also be good. Our locals must complement our import,” said Baculi.

Johnson, No. 6 pick overall by the Atlanta Hawks in the 2000 NBA draft, did get the needed support from his teammates as Barako pounced on an Alaska side which continued to struggle even with its new scheme.

The Energy outplayed the Aces, dealing Alaska a fifth straight defeat dating back to last conference.

The Aces committed 19 turnovers while trying to fine-tune their new game in favor of triangle offense. Barako scored 22 points off those Alaska errors.

Miller led all scorers with 25 points and also produced six rebounds and two assists while Leo Najorda, Ronald Tubid and Don Allado added 10 points each.

“Willie really stepped up and Ronald delivered tremendous effort coming off the bench. Our big men had their contribution, allowing our import to play the 3 position,” said Baculi.

“That’s what we lacked (3 player) in the first conference,” Baculi also said, hoping Johnson filled the void in their lineup.

Miller went 6-of-6 from the field and 1-of-1 from the stripe as he presided over Barako’s searing third-quarter breakaway, pushing the Energy 21 up, 72-51, going into the final canto.

The Energy enjoyed an earlier 21-point spread at 65-44 on a bristling 24-5 run from a slim 41-39 lead.