Mark Barroca had been coming off a scintillating 26-point performance in Star’s key win over Mahindra, and had entered the game against Barako Bull on Sunday night with the same aggressiveness and offensive-mindedness.
Picking up where he left off, Barroca was instrumental in Star’s system, scoring 12 points thru almost three quarters of play. However, a foul call he later deemed unexpected changed the complexion of the match.
With the Hotshots still on top, 67-59 late in the third frame, Barroca was whistled for a flagrant foul penalty one as he was caught invading the landing spot of Josh Urbiztondo, who managed to hit the triple and complete a four-point play.
“Nawala yung momentum doon nung nangyari yung e. Disgrasya. Hindi naman natin maiiwasan yun. Nagfocus ako (sa laro eh) pero bigla ako tinawagan ng flagrant 1. Hindi ko in-expect yun kasi tumalon ako eh. Doon nagstart eh. Inupo ako,” the visibly disappointed Barroca shared.
Energy eventually closed gap to only 71-67 entering the fourth period, and then went on a 34-12 fourth quarter blast to bury the dejected Hotshots.
“Noong lumamang sila, nawala na kami sa sistema namin eh, nagkanya-kanya na. Walang disiplina,” Barroca added.
Star was uncharacteristic in the 101-83 loss, having only a total of four free throw attempts, way below its conference average of 22.9 foul shots a game.
Without the same attacking mentality, Barako capitalized defensively, leaving the Hotshots disappointed.
“Siguro may lapses lang na nangyari sa amin. Nalamangan kami and then nawala kami sa sistema namin. Wala na kaming chance sa twice to beat. Wala na, the hard way na,” Barroca shared.
Barako trailed by as much as 11 in the third quarter, but completed a 29-point turnaround through the exploits of Josh Urbiztondo (24 points, 5-for-10 three-point shooting), JC Intal, and Willie Wilson (18 points each).
Though still in the running for the playoffs, Barroca said the team cannot afford to make the same mistakes in their final encounter against Blackwater, and he hopes the team comes out with a sense of urgency.
“Hindi na pwede. May chance pa kami ma-out. Ayaw na naming maging against the wall ang backs namin,” he said.
