BARAKO BULL PULLS OFF GAME 1 STUNNER

ANTIPOLO – Old and wise.

That’s what Barako Bull’s grizzled warriors have been proving they are deep into the playoffs of
the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Danny Seigle and company continued to flaunt their vintage form, pulling the rug from under
defending champion Talk n Text, 84-77, in Game One of their best-of-five semifinal showdown at the
Ynares Sports Center here Tuesday night.

“Talagang gustong ipakitang they still have the legs capable of playing some more games,” said
Barako Bull coach Junel Baculi.

“They’re showing their heart and desire, and I have to give it also to the management. Buo ang
kumpiyansa at paniniwala nang management sa kanila,” Baculi added.

Baculi, however, was quick to downplay their Game One win, saying the Texters were obviously rusty
from their 12-day break.

Baculi also mentioned the bad break suffered by Talk n Text in losing Kelly Williams to an injury
right in the opening period.

“They will surely come back strong Thursday and we have to be ready,” said Baculi.

The Energy took advantage of Williams’ early exit, imposing their size at the paint to dominate
the rebounding battle, 67-45.

Dorian Pena and Danny Seigle grabbed big rebounds keying a decisive 15-4 run that pushed Barako
ahead to stay at 73-62.

Wynne Arboleda had a significant help, banging away back-to-back treys to cap the crucial assault.

Pena, Seigle and Arboleda took over as Gabe Freeman slowed down after sizzling with 13 points and
six rebounds in the first period.

“We’re veterans and we surely know how to win games,” said Pena, finishing with 12 rebounds
and 11 points.

Seigle scattered 19 points, including nine in the final quarter as Barako Bull (formerly Air21)
notched only its second win in 18 matches with Talk n Text over the last four years.

“It’s a big upset and hopefully we can pull one again Thursday,” said Baculi.

The Texters were outworked by their older rivals, and it certainly didn’t help they lost Williams
so early in the game. The Fil-Am forward/center sustained a cut below his left eye in a collision
with Ronald Tubid, and he was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital.

Minus Williams, the Texters got clobbered in board work.

Freeman collared 16 rebounds with Pena, Seigle, Don Alado, Miller, Arboleda and Tubid contributing
at least four each.

The Energy dominated the boards and also put up a tough defense, holding the Texters to 33-percent
shooting.

Barako’s oldies later on showed their poise and composure, cooly sinking pressure-packed free
throws to seal the win.

The Texters threatened to break away early, opening a 42-33 spread, but the Energy scored the next
nine points to tie the count with 2:13 left in the second quarter.

Talk n Text took the half at 43-42 on a gift shot by Larry Fonacier off a technical foul by Freeman
with three-tenths of a second left.

After falling behind by nine, the Barako locals worked on a key run highlighted by a slam by Seigle
on a dish by Tubid. (SB)

The scores:

BARAKO 84 - Freeman 21, Seigle 19, Pena 11, Miller 10, Arboleda 9, Tubid 7, Pennisi 4, Allado 3,
Najorda 0.

TALK N' TEXT 77 - Castro 27, Fonacier 14, Harvey 9, Dillinger 9, Carey 8, De Ocampo 4, Reyes 3,
Williams 3, Gamalinda 0, Aguilar 0, Lao 0, Alapag 0.