Tigers end slide

Asi Taulava, Rob Reyes and Mark IsipCoca-Cola snapped a 7-game losing streak with a 105-100 victory over Barako Coffee in overtime.

Rashard Bell finished with 33 points, 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks in a solid all-around performance for the Tigers who finally nailed a win this month and improved their mark to 5-8.

Gary David added 25 points, while Asi Taulava put in 12 points and 14 rebounds for the Tigers.

"We'll take this win because we really needed this win to end that tough seven-game skid," said Coke mentor Bo Perasol.

"It's tough to admit that I was really losing confidence coaching this team after losing 7 in a row, but with this win, we now know how to do it again," he added.

The Coffee Masters were in full control of the game before Coke staged the rally and sent the game in overtime.

Reed Juntilla scored the first 4 points of the extra session to give Barako Coffee a 97-93 cushion, but Bell anchored a quick 7-0 run to grab the lead, 100-97, 2:10 left.

Leo Najorda tied the score for the last time at 100-all with a triple at top of the key, but the Tigers blanked their rivals the rest of the way and scored the next 5 points to complete the come-from-behind victory.

"It was really bad. We led most of the way but the players made bad decisions in the end," said Barako Coffee head coach Junel Bacul who drew 27 points, 11 boards, 7 assists and 4 blocks from Sammy Monroe.

"Separation sana ito sa Air21. Now we are tied again," added Baculi as his team is now with the same card with the Express with 2-11 slate.

The last-placed team after the 2-round classification phase will be eliminated. - www.abs-cbnnews.com

Scores:

Coca-Cola 105 - Bell 33, David 25, Taulava 12, Macapagal 10, Cruz 8, Espino 6, Allera 3, Gonzales 3, Mendoza 3, Rizada 2, Calimag 0.

Barako Coffee 100 � Monroe 27, Najorda 24, Juntilla 14, Isip 11, Vergara 9, Wainwright 8, Reyes 4, Dimaunahan 3, Duncil 0, Hubalde 0.

Quarter scores: 24-27, 37-48, 62-71, 93-93 (reg), 105-100 (OT)