WILLIE Miller’s heydays are far from over. The two-time MVP exploded for 27 points and also had six assists, leading an impressive show by Barako Bull’s veterans that lifted them past erstwhile unbeaten and defending champion Talk ‘N Text, 100-86, Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. It was Miller’s highest output in the last five conferences and headlined a sterling show by the Energy on both ends of the court that stoked their drive to a second straight victory and a 2-1 win-loss slate that tied them with their victims.
“One factor is our defense. Second, our veterans are willing to work on defense and share the ball. Also, at one game or another, Willie Miller will explode. This was the game,” said Barako coach Junel Baculi.
“I hope this is not the last,” added the mentor, only half in jest. “Dahil bago iyung team hindi nila inaasahan kung sino i-score. Naka-tsamba lang ngayon,” said Miller, who last scored as much while he was still with Alaska during the 2009-2010 Philippine Cup when he notched 29. Asked why it took him long enough, Miller replied: “Sa gamit lang siguro.
Sa Alaska, then Ginebra marami kaming guwardiya. Ngayon dito napa-tiyempo. “Basta panalo kahit sino umi-score.” Jayson Castro scored 23 points, the bulk coming at the height of TNT’s fightback from as much as two 22-point deficits, the last at 30-52, to within 67-73. “Miller Time” then took over as he strung up five straight points and Mick Pennisi also drained two triples in headlining some clutch baskets that quashed whatever hopes the Tropang Texters may have had. Dylan Ababou turned in a second straight 20-point performance while Pennisi finished with 18 points, his best output since the 2008-09 Philippine Cup, and seven rebounds like the rookie.
Although they did not score as much, the likes of mid-30s players Don Carlos Allado, Dorian Pena and Wynne Arboleda also gave significant contributions on defense that enabled Barako Bull to jump out to the early lead and take a 52-33 cushion at the half.
“We worked hard for this,” said Baculi. “Talk ‘N Text is a champion team, that’s why I was surprised we went up by 19 at halftime. But I expected a very big comeback, Talk ‘N Text being a champion team.”
“Expected naming ang pressure (defense) nila,” related Miller. “Pero ang akala namin halfcourt lang. Bigla silang nag-full court pressure. “
Jimmy Alapag suited up for the first time but was hardly a factor, although his lone basket -- a triple -- helped move TNT within 80-87.
Ababou then sank a charity off Tropang Texters’ coach Chot Reyes’ technical before combining with Miller and Pennisi in staking the Energy to an unassailable 97-82 spread, only 1:42 left. (NC)
Although they did not score as much, the likes of mid-30s players Don Carlos Allado, Dorian Pena and Wynne Arboleda also gave significant contributions on defense that enabled Barako Bull to jump out to the early lead and take a 52-33 cushion at the half.
“We worked hard for this,” said Baculi. “Talk ‘N Text is a champion team, that’s why I was surprised we went up by 19 at halftime. But I expected a very big comeback, Talk ‘N Text being a champion team.”
“Expected naming ang pressure (defense) nila,” related Miller. “Pero ang akala namin halfcourt lang. Bigla silang nag-full court pressure. “
Jimmy Alapag suited up for the first time but was hardly a factor, although his lone basket -- a triple -- helped move TNT within 80-87.
Ababou then sank a charity off Tropang Texters’ coach Chot Reyes’ technical before combining with Miller and Pennisi in staking the Energy to an unassailable 97-82 spread, only 1:42 left. (NC)
The scores:
BARAKO 100 -Miller 27, Ababou 20, Pennisi 18, Allado 9, Maliksi 8, Najorda 6, Artadi 4, Arboleda 3, Pena 3, Salvacion 2, Salvador 0.
TALK 'N TEXT 86 - Castro 23, Reyes 16, Dillinger 10, Aban 10, Peek 8, Fonacier 6, Carey 6, Aguilar 4, Alapag 3, Raymundo 0, Alvarez 0, Lao 0.
Quarterscores: 25-11, 52-33, 71-62, 100-86
Source: Pba.ph
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