Powerade survives Gary David’s early exit to win sudden-death game versus Barako Bull

Game today
Smart Araneta Coliseum
6:30 p.m.- Powerade vs. Meralco

No Gary David. No problem.

The Powerade Tigers survived David’s absence in the second half to post a 99-95 win over the Barako Bull Energy in their do-or-die battle in the 37th PBA Governors’ Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

After scoring 13 points in the first quarter alone, David, who is averaging 26 points a game, left the game in the second quarter after spraining his left ankle.

The second half started with the two teams tied at 52-all and the game seemed tilted in Barako Bull’s favor when the injured David stayed in the locker room for good.

Surprisingly, the Tigers hardly missed David as Josh Vanlandingham stepped up big-time and scored the bulk of his 18 points in the third, allowing the Tigers to take a 79-70 lead going into the fourth.

Aside from Vanlandingham, also stepping up in David’s absence were import Omar Sneed, Sean Anthony, Rey Guevarra and Jvee Casio, who all scored at least 10 points.

David will be a doubtful starter when the Tigers play another do-or-die game againsr the Meralco Bolts.

The winner in today’s game will advance to the semifinal round.

BOX SCORES
POWERADE (99)- Sneed 24, Vanlandingham 18, David 13, Anthony 10, Guevarra 10, Casio 10, Lingganay 7, Salvador 4, Belasco 2, Tugade 1, Adducul 0.
BARAKO BULL (95) -Hickerson 20, Seigle 20, Kramer 14, Miller 10, Tubid 9, Pennisi 8, Cruz 7, Allado 7, Vergara 0, Salvacion 0.QUARTERSCORES: 28-26, 52-52, 79-70, 99-95.