Miller rediscovers old form as Barako Bull gores Talk 'N Text

Source: gmanews.tv

Willie Miller rediscovered his old fiery form while Dylan Ababou and Mick Pennisi supported the two-time MVP with superb games of their own as Barako Bull stunned defending champion Talk 'N Text, 100-86, for the biggest upset so far in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Barako Bull's Willie Miller (right) tries to get past the defense of Talk 'N Text's Harvey Carey in their game in the PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Big Dome. Photo by Jeff Venancio


Miller played his best game after a long while with 27 points, including 18 in the second half. He shot 12-of-17 from the field, added six assists, and hit crucial baskets down the stretch that stopped a rallying Tropang Texters on their tracks.

Ababou, meanwhile, added 20 and Pennisi 18 as the duo led the Energy Boosters' first-half breakaway that served as springboard of Barako's second straight win in three outings.

"It's a good feeling to be among the leaders, with our team not rated from the start," said coach Junel Baculi, whose team tied four other teams—including Talk 'N Text—for a share of second with similar 2-1 (win-loss) cards.

"Hopefully, we can sustain the momentum. We'll celebrate today, and then re-focus again as we're up against a very young team in our next game," added the Barako Bull mentor as his team faces Rain or Shine on Friday.

The Tropang Texters suffered their first loss in the season after winning their first two games.

The team now expects three of its key players in Jimmy Alapag, Ranidel de Ocampo and Kelly Williams to be back in the official lineup in its next outing after being allowed a three-game leave by management following their stint with the Smart Gilas-Pilipinas in the recent FIBA-Asia Championship For Men.

Barako, in their absence, readily took advantage and built a 20-point bubble in the opening half.

The Tropang Texters managed to cut the deficit to 71-65 early in the fourth on a Jason Castro three-pointer.

But Miller joined hands with Ababou and Pennisi as they came through with clutch baskets down the stretch to seal Barako's win.

Miller stuck the dagger in the Tropang Texters' heart when he hit a buzzer-beating jumper in the final 1:42 mark, giving the Energy Boosters a 97-82 lead.

"May asim pa (I still have it)," said Miller after the game.

Castro led Talk 'N Text with 23 points.

Pennisi and Ababou were already in double figures at the half, with 12 and 10, respectively.

The two stood at the forefront of a sizzling first half by the Energy Boosters, who established several 20-point leads in the second quarter, the last at 50-30 on a Leo Najorda basket.

Barako held a 52-33 lead at the break.

The Energy Boosters outscored the Tropang Texters in the first six minutes of the game and stormed to a 14-4 spread on a Miller lay up, forcing Texters coach Chot Reyes to call an early timeout.

Barako, however, continued with its hot shooting and stretched the lead to 28-11, 50 seconds gone in the second period with Ababou's three-pointer highlighting a 14-7 blast.