(CNN Philippines) — Barako Bull Energy preserved their pristine record with a 105-99 victory over the Meralco Bolts in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum Sunday (May 24).
Joseph Yeo was in tow, finishing with 28 points to go with six assists to help Barako Bull keep its perfect 4-0 win-loss card in the season-ending conference.
But it was Jake Pascual who played the hero role down the stretch, making four crucial points to put Barako Bull on top for good, 103-99, with 1:06 to go.
Yeo put the icing on the cake with a pair of shots from the foul line.
Pascual had 12 points, while import Liam McMorrow raked in 19 points and 23 rebounds for the Energy, who had to climb back from 19 points down in the second quarter.
Barako Bull started flat but came out rejuvenated in the second half with stiffling defense.
“Guys didn’t give up. We were able to turn things around,” said Barako Bull coach Koy Banal.
Banal singled out Willie Wilson, whose commitment to defending Meralco import Andre Emmett worked wonders for the Energy.
Emmett was limited to just 14 points in the last two quarters.
“Wilson sacrificed a lot in guarding Emmett. It’s a sign of the commitment of our players to sacrifice for the good of our team,” Banal said.
Still, Emmett wound up with a game-high 32 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals.
Cliff Hodge added 17 for Meralco, which now holds a 2-3 win-loss card.
