BARAKO TRIPS AIR21

Game today

Tubod, Lanao del Norte

6:30 p.m.- Barangay Ginebra vs. Alaska

The Barako Bull Energy Colas clawed back from a double-digit fourth quarter deficit to stun the Air21 Express, 91-86, last night in the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Josh Ubiztondo keyed Barako Bull’s big fightback hitting big triples in a 17-0 run late in the fourth as the Energy Colas tallied their third win against a single loss.

Air21 at one point led by 11 in the fourth, 77-66, before Barako Bull came back.

Barako Bull tied the contest at 81-all on a three-pointer by Urbiztondo in the final 3:21.

Urbiztondo dropped another triple while Mick Pennisi sank his own trey as an 8-0 tear gave the Energy Colas an 88-81 edge.

Nino Canaleta pulled the Express to within two, 86-88, with 18.3 seconds left bu Urbiztondo shut the door on Air21 by canning in two free throws two seconds later.

Urbiztondo went on to win the Best Player of the Game award by tallying 15 points, five assists and four steals.

Evan Brock scored 23 points, JC Intal tallied 16, while the rejuvenated Danny Seigle contributed 10 as Barako Bull recovered from a 73-77 loss to the Alaska Aces.

Michael Dunigan scattered a game-high 30 points, Canaleta had 15, Mike Cortes chipped 14 for the Express, who tasted their second straight loss to drop to 1-2 (win-loss).

Meanwhile, the Alaska Aces place their unbeaten record on the line when they take on the winless Barangay Ginebra Kings today in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.

Alaska is the only unbeaten team left, leading the standings with a clean 3-0 card.

The Kings will parade new import in Vernon Macklin as they try to climb out of the cellar.

Ginebra lost its first three games, prompting them to send home Herbert Hill and bring in Macklin, who previously played with the Detroit Pistons in the NBA.

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