Richard Yee scattered 11 points in the third quarter and Burger King withstood a late charge by Barako Bull for a 102-99 victory Wednesday night in a game pitting two struggling teams.
Richard Yee eventually led all scorers with 21 points, his best game in a Whoppers uniform, on an 8-of-10 shooting from the floor.
However, it was as Gary David’s three free throws in the final 56 seconds that sealed the win.
David and Beau Belga score 14 points apiece.
Burger King coach Yeng Guiao was candid in admitting that his team is struggling up to this point and are just trying to improve every game.
But while victory comes rare, the fiery coach hopes their repeat win against the Barako Bull would regain his troops’ confidence.
Burger King, which defeated the Energy Boosters in their first meeting 102-86 last November 20, improved to 5-9 and snapped a two-game skid.
“We’re just trying to avoid being eliminated early. We just want to play a little longer this conference and see what our chances are in the wildcard,” said Guiao, who is now 4-0 against his former team.
Guiao feels an outright spot in the quarterfinals of the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup is now beyond the Whoppers’ reach.
“But I still have hope for this team. If we gain our confidence I think we can be a formidable team,” Guiao said.
The Whoppers entered the fourth enjoying an 80-67 advantage but nearly allowed it to dissipate.
On four occasions in the fourth, Barako Bull pulled within three points but the Energy Boosters could not hit the tying basket to force overtime.
As result, Barako Bull recorded the franchise’s longest losing streak of nine in a row and tied Coca-Cola for ninth spot with a 2-11 mark.
Yousif Aljamal scored 19 points and Richard Alonzo added a career-high 18 points and grabbed 12 rebounds. Donbel Belano chipped in 16 points, 10 in the fourth quarter which helped bring Barako Bull back in the game.
The game appeared headed for overtime when Barako Bull pulled within three twice, at 93-96 and 96-99. But it blew the opportunity with Benedict Fernandez missing badly on potential game-tying 3-point attempts each time. (DBC)
The scores:
BURGER KING 102 - Yee R. 21, Belga 14, David 14, Buenafe 12, Quinahan 10, Matias 9, Lanete 8, Sharma 6, Billones 5, Yee M. 3.
BARAKO BULL 99 - Alonzo 18, Aljamal 19, Belano 16, Duncil 13, Faundo 11, Menor 6, Fernandez 6, Chia 5, Crisano 3, Reyes 2, Hubalde 0, Dimaunahan 0.
QUARTERSCORES: 32-23, 52-51, 80-67, 102-99.
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