Barako Bull overcomes 15-pt deficit, nips Bolts

Games today

Araneta Coliseum

4:15 p.m.- Air21 vs. Powerade

6:30 p.m.- Ginebra vs. Talk ‘N Text

Willie Miller unloaded the bulk of his points in the second half and Wynne Arboleda caught from fire the three-point land in the fourth period as the two veteran guards powered the Barako Bull Energy to an 89-82 come-from-behind win over the Meralco Bolts last night in the 37th PBA Commissioner’s Cup in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

The Energy rallied from 15 points down in the first half, taking control of the game in the payoff period to bag their third win in five games that somehow kept their slim playoff hopes bid alive.

Held down to just one point in the first half, Miller fired 16 points in the final half, including five in the pivotal period.

Arboleda went five-for-nine from the three-point area and most of his three-point baskets came in the most opportune time.

Arboleda went four-for-four from beyond the arc in the fourth with his first triple in the quarter finally giving the Energy the lead after a long chase, 66-64.

Arboleda’s last trifecta in the final period was what iced the win for the Energy, hitting a booming triple that put his team beyond the Bolts’ reach, 83-72, with 3:12 to play.

Arboleda and Miller’s brilliance preserved the solid showing of their import as Rodeny White finished with a triple-double performance with 16 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists.

Import Earl Barron scored a game-high 27 points for the Bolts, who saw their two-game win streak come to an end.

The loss was a big blow for the Bolts’ playoff bid, tasting their fifth loss in eight games.

The 10 competing teams will only play nine games in the elimination and only six will advance to the playoffs.