Magnum Membrere meanwhile capped his career night with a booming three-pointer that helped Barako Bull squeak past Coca-Cola, 81-73, to end a franchise worst nine-game losing streak.
Membrere’s three-pointer gave the Energy Boosters a 76-70 lead as the Tigers faltered with their attempts the rest of the way to absorb their second straight defeat.
The former Ateneo standout finished with a personal-high 14 points while Jojo Duncil and Richard Alonzo added 11 and 10 markers respectively.
“Lahat ng players gustong magpakita talaga sa team na ito kaya ito na ang pagkakataon nila na ipakita at ma-recognize na magaling silang PBA players,” said Isaac, whose last taste of a victory with the team was on March 22 in the Fiesta Cup when they pulled a 135-133 upset over Talk ‘N Text.
“Kung nasa ibang team sila, hindi nila makukuha ang playing time na ibinibigay ko that’s why I told them to give their best every game daghil ito na ang exposure na hinihintay nila,” he added.
The Tigers were actually in full control of the game early and even led by as much as 12 points, 38-26, on Norman Gonzales’s lay-up with 5:51 left in the second quarter.
But the Barako Bull managed to stay close in the first half and trailed by just four, 41-45, and came out with a different defensive intensity in the second half.
The Energy Boosters trailed only by three, 55-58, going into the final canto and were staring a 62-55 deficit when they unloaded a 15-4 exchange capped by Felix Belano’s triple at the top of the key to grab a 70-66 lead with 4:42 remaining.
Alex Cabagnot knotted the score for the last time at 70-all after scoring the next four points but Ogie Menor and Membrere hit-back-to-back three-pointers that gave Barako Bull a 76-70 cushion with 2:18 remaining.
The Tigers never had a serious run since then to have a 0-2 start and join San Miguel Beer at the cellar.
Dennis Espino led Coke with 15 points while Gonzales and Marvin Cruz finished with 12 and11 points respectively. Larry Rodriguez had 10 points and a career-high 18 rebounds for the Tigers.
Asi Taulava was held down to just two points in the game as he left the game early in the first period due to sprained right ankle.
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