Barroca shows up everyone with 37 points to lead Toroman’s cagers in surprise strong showing

Coach Yeng Guiao gave no excuses. In fact, he was frank enough to admit that his team – Batang Burger King -- wasn't ready enough when it went face-to-face with the RP Team handled by Serbian coach Rajko Toroman Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Guiao, who took over the coaching chores from Bo Perasol, said the team has been working with him just a little over a week and are still picking up their rhythm.



"The guys are not yet in good shape. Most of them are coming off vacations. But they're responding to the system," said Guiao of his team previously known as the Air21 Express.

There was no doubt that the Fighters, who were held to a 95-95 draw by the Nationals, are still working on their chemistry. For most of the game, they appeared tentative and struggled on some play patterns.

Guiao said the game magnified their need for a dependable big man.

"We are having problem filling the big men spot left vacant by (Don) Allado, (Dough) Kramer, Nino (Canaleta) and (JC) Intal. And it's difficult to find the appropriate big men to help us with the system," he said.

The fiery coach, who is calling the shots for the senior RP Team that aims to advance to the World Championships, heap praises on the Nationals for providing his team a good challenge.

"They're young and their potential is great. They'll be more dangerous if their wings and big men would be able to sharpen their skills," he offered.

RP Team guard Andy Barroca led all scorers with 37 and his leaning jumper over Wynne Arboleda with 1.9 seconds remaining enabled the Nationals to draw even.

"At least tonight they relied heavily on their point guard (Barroca). He had a good game going and they put the ball in his hands," said Guiao, who promised to give the Nationals a better competition on Friday.

"We may not be a lot better on Friday but at least we had an idea how to play them."

Arwind Santos led Burger Kings with 29 points. Gary David and Cyrus Baguio added 17 apiece and JR Quinahan had nine rebounds. (DBC)

The scores:

Burger King 95 - Santos 29, David 17, Baguio 17, Billones 8, Quinahan 6, Belga 6, Villanueva 4, Rodriguez 4, Arboleda 4, Cruz M. 0, Cruz C. 0, Alonzo 0, Se 0.

Smart-Gilas RP 95 - Barroca 37, Al-Hussaini 18, Baracael 16, Jazul 9, Cawaling 4, Guevarra 4, Slaughter 4, Buenafe 2, Tiu 1, Ballesteros 0.

Quarterscores: 28-19, 51-46, 70-71, 95-95.


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