Boosters spoil debut of former NBA player Mbenga, rout slumping Barako Bull Energy

The Petron Blaze Boosters took off to a blazing start and finished the game even stronger to nip the Barako Bull Energy Colas, 88-77, last night in the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Henry Sims scored 23 points, while Alex Cabagnot pitched in 20 to help the Boosters snap a three-game slide while spoiling the debut of former Los Angeles DJ Mbenga.

Seemingly not yet in game-shape after having not played competitive basketball for five months, Mbenga managed just 14 points.

Typifying the team’s offensive struggle, Mbenga’s meager output was enough to make him the team’s leading scorer.

Marcio Lassiter scattered 14 markers, while Arwin Santos donated 11 for the Boosters, who formally earned a playoff spot with their seventh win in 12 games.

After snapping a six-game slide, the Energy Colas crashed back to earth with their eighth loss in 12 games that kept them in the ninth place of the standings. The bottom two after the 14-game elimination round will be booted out.

Globalport was the first to get the boot after losing 10 of their first 12 games.

Petron started strong as it racked up 12 unanswered points. After clawing to within 22-17 after the first canto, the Energy Colas took the lead briefly in the second before the Boosters regained the lead at the half, 38-36.

Petron broke the game wide open in the third, taking a 67-55 edge into the fourth quarter, where they led by as many as 17.

BOX SCORES

PETRON (88)- Sims 23, Cabagnot 20, Lassiter 14, Santos 11, Fajardo 6, Lutz 6, Miranda 6, Washington 2, Sison 0, Faundo 0, Lanete 0, Pena 0.

BARAKO (77)- Mbenga 14, Maliksi 13, Anthony 11, Pennisi 11, Monfort 8, Seigle 8, Urbiztondo 5, Macapagal 3, Duncil 2, Intal 2, Kramer 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 22-17, 40-38, 67-55, 88-77.