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Barako Bull bests Alaska in Commissioner's Cup's first overtime game

Barako Bull arrested a two-game skid with a huge 93-91 overtime victory over the Alaska Aces, Tuesday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

Holding a nine-point lead at 83-74 with only five minutes left in regulation, Barako Bull buckled and allows the Aces to storm back in the game. Alaske went on an 11-2 run as they tied the score at 85-all with two free throws from import Damion James.

The prolific Alaska import had a golden chance to win the game but he settled for a jump shot at the then of the fourth quarter to force an overtime period.

In the extension, neither team could put baskets together. With 2.5 seconds left, Solomon Alabi scored on a putback off his own miss to give Barako a two-point lead. However, Alaska got lucky as RR Garcia was whistled for a technical foul with Barako Bull’s second delay of game warning.

James uncharacteristically missed the technical free throw and Dondon Hontiveros’ game-winning three-point attempt clanked off the rim as the buzzer sounded.

Alabi led Barako Bull once more with 23 points, 19 rebounds, and four blocks but the Energy’s hulking import got a lot of help from the locals specially down the stretch.

Dave Marcelo scored 18 points, including a crucial basket for Barako Bull in the overtime period, while adding eight rebounds. Sol Mercado added 15 points with three rebounds and four assists while JC Intal and Carlo Lastimosa added 12 each.

James led Alaska with an amazing stat line. The import had 39 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, three steals, and three blocks in more than 45 minutes on the court. However, he did not get enough support from the locals as only Vic Manuel scored in double digits. RJ Jazul and Ping Exciminiano were their third leading scorers with eight apiece.

Now at 4-2, Barako Bull tied Rain or Shine for the third and fourth spots. Alaska on the other hand falls to 2-4 for a three-way tie with NLEX and KIA for the 8th to 10th spots.

The Main Man: Alabi was steady throughout the game for Barako Bull. With no Sonny Thoss, no one could contend with his size so it was easy for him to clean up after his own miss in the overtime period.

Honorable Mention: Marcelo played his best game of the conference so far as he posted 18 points and eight rebounds while doing a good job in defending the shaded area alongside Alabi.

Game Turning Point: Barako Bull banked on a big shot by their import but they needed a bit of luck as James missed a free throw and Hontiveros clanked a three-point attempt.

Stat of the Game: Barako Bull dominated the rebounding battle with 59 compared to only 47 for the Aces.

Next Games:

Barako Bull versus Rain or Shine on Feb. 27 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum

Alaska versus KIA on March 3 at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum

The scores:

BARAKO 93 - Alabi 23, Marcelo 18, Mercado 15, Lastimosa 12, Intal 12, Pascual 6, Garcia 4, Lanete 3, Chua 0, Hubalde 0.

ALASKA 91 - James 39, Manuel 13, Exciminiano 8, Jazul 8, Baguio 6, Menk 6, Hontiveros 3, Dela Rosa 2, Espinas 2, Dela Cruz 2, Casio 2, Banchero 0, Abueva 0.

Quarter scores: 22-21, 45-43, 66-65, 85-85, 93-91.