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Source: gmanews.tv

-- Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio admitted the Giants’ offense was a bit off Wednesday night against Barako Bull but was thankful that his wards stepped up in defense.

The TJ Giants squandered a 16-point halftime bulge (42-26) but had enough gas left inside their tank to eke out a 70-66 win over the hard-fighting Energy Boosters in the KFC-PBA Philippine Cup at the Big Dome.

"We were not fluid at all, especially on offense," said an obviously unhappy Gregorio after Purefoods secured its fourth straight win.

"But just like what we’ve been doing, defense bailed us out. No matter how ugly the win was, we’re going to take it anyway."

James and Roger Yap, not related to each other, combined for their team’s last 11 points as the Giants assumed solo third in the standings with an 8-12 slate.

James Yap played the fireman’s role for the Giants knocking in eight of his 18 points in the payoff period to help stave off Barako’s repeated uprisings.

Purefoods dominated the first half, but slowed down in the final 24 minutes of play as Barako Bull fought its way back into the contest.

Roger Yap, recently named as the PBA Press Corps’ player of the week, once again earned praises from his coach.

"Roger bailed us out again. He hit a short jumper and when we needed stops, he was there," said Gregorio on his prized guard, who scored Purefoods’ last five points to put his team to safer grounds.

Barako held Purefoods without a field goal during a five-minute stretch in the fourth period with Jojo Duncil touching off a short 7-0 spurt as the Boosters tied the count for the first time, 61-all, with still 5:47 left in the game.

But James Yap nailed two crucial jumpers to stop the Giants’ bleeding.

Despite the win, Purefoods’ inability to run its offense cohesively was a big concern for Gregorio.

"They zoned us the whole game and we couldn’t execute properly. We had 17 turnovers and threw the ball like crazy. This is a big concern for us and we don’t want this to happen again, particularly in facing tough teams like Talk ‘N Text and San Miguel," said Gregorio.