KIA playing coach Manny Pacquiao prepares to shoot a free throw in Wednesday's game against the Purefoods Star Hotshots in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Jay R. Gotera Saudi Gazette
MANILA — Manny Pacquiao scored his first point as a professional basketball player while pint-sized point guard LA Revilla and hulking import Peter John Ramos sparked a huge fourth quarter run to lift the underdog KIA Motors Carnival to a resounding 95-84 upset victory over the defending champion Purefoods Star Hotshots Wednesday night in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. KIA thus claimed the bragging rights of having downed two champions after its gigantic conquest of this season's Philippine Cup champion San Miguel Beermen. The Carnival thus improved to a 2-4 win-loss record, good for solo ninth place in the standings. The stunned Hotshots absorbed just their second loss in six games, sliding to solo third. With three minutes left, KIA went on a scorching 15-2 run masterminded by Revilla who finished with 18 points, six rebounds, seven assists and three steals. Revilla's heroics complemented another monster performance by the 7'3” Ramos, who posted 32 points. The Carnival drew inspiration from playing coach Pacquiao who played for the first time in the conference, scoring a free throw and an assist in the second quarter. After an impressive performance in his last game, new import Daniel Orton was a big disappointment for Purefoods, finishing with just six points before fouling out in the fourth quarter. With Purefoods up 76-68 at the start of the fourth quarter and with Ramos saddled with five fouls, the Carnival suddenly caught fire, raining down three-pointers to finally grab the lead, 79-78, with seven minutes left in the game. The Hotshots tried to muster their championship poise but the Carnival refused to yield as they fought toe-to-toe with their illustrious rivals. Led by Revilla, the Carnival continued pouring in the points from the outside to take a nine-point lead, 93-84, with a minute left, en route to their smashing victory. GlobalPort 99, Barako Bull 81 Terrence Romeo went on a shooting rampage to lead the GlobalPort Batang Pier to 99-81 win over the Barako Bull Energy. The flashy 5'10” Romeo poured 15 of his team-high 24 points in the second quarter that helped the Batang Pier climb from a 10-point deficit en route to their third victory in six outings. New import Calvin Warner was just one rebound short of his first 20-20 output in the PBA, finishing with 23 points and 19 rebounds. Stanley Pringle also provided backcourt stability for GlobalPort, finishing with a near double-double 14 points and eight rebounds. Mark Isip added 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench. Barako Bull absorbed its second straight loss after opening the conference with three straight victories. Seven-foot Nigerian import Solomon Alabi once again led the Energy with 37 points and 27 rebounds. Carlo Lastimosa and Chico Lanete added 12 and 11 points, respectively. Games Friday: Talk N Text Tropang Texters vs. NLEX Road Warriors; Rain or Shine Elasto Painters vs. Alaska Aces.
