Taulava's jumper lifts Coca-Cola to win

Asi Taulava hit a turn-around jumper with 1.8 seconds left, lifting Coca-Cola to a tense 91-89 win over Barako Bull and finally eliminating the Energy Boosters from the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at the Cuneta Astrodome. “The Rock" made the shot against Alex Crisano just below the free-throw line, sinking the attempt he doesn’t usually make as the Tigers overcame the loss of a 20-point lead to complete their 18-game elimination round campaign with a 6-12 (win-loss) record.

Coca-Cola will thus face Burger King in the knockout stage wild card. The Whopper were still playing as of posting time, trying to foil Alaska’s bid to claim the second outright semi-finals berth. The win also aided Rain or Shine, which is now assured of advancing to the wild card even if it loses its final elimination round match against the Aces on Friday. “Watch out for the Tigers, we’re on the prowl," said Taulava after the game. He finished with another double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds. Once again, Barako Bull has failed to make the playoffs. This is the third time that the Boosters have not advanced past the preliminary stage. Still, it was a performance that merited respect. Teams of lesser stuff would already have flamed out after Coca-Cola built a 74-54 lead early in the final period. The Tigers erected that seemingly insurmountable spread after seizing control with a rare 17-0 blast bridging the second and third quarters that erased a 39-33 deficit and established a 50-39 advantage for them. The Tigers were still ahead, 87-75, but the Energy Boosters came ferociously back with a 14-0 assault, tying it for the last time at 89 after Aries Dimaunahan hit a triple with 5 seconds to go. The Tigers then sued for time to map out the final offensive play. Taulava received the inbounds pass, dribbled once before turning around for the game-winner. Crisano matched his career-high of 19 points to lead the Energy Boosters. - GMANews.TV