By Rey Joble

FOR the last time, Burger King ruled the Araneta Coliseum last night like a Titan.

To be known starting tomorrow as the Whopper, the Titans played inspired basketball for 48 minutes en route to a 123-110 triumph over the Barako Bull Energy Boosters in the Motolite-Philippine Basketball Association Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.

Clad in black for the last time, Burger King is expected to wear its true colors in tomorrow?s game against Coca-Cola, a combination of red, white and blue that symbolizes hope and positive attitude toward their goal?be it in business or inside the playing court.

Arwind Santos, import Shawn Daniels and spitfire Marvin Cruz combined forces for the rejuvenated Titans squad.

Santos finished with 22 points, including back-to-back triples that keyed a breakaway for the Titans, who posted their first sizeable lead, 63-45, 1:20 before the half.

Coming off the break, the Titans were more merciless.

Santos missed a potential three-point play off a foul by John Arigo, but his field goal was enough for Burger King to pad its lead to 95-68 in the closing seconds of the third. It was all over but the shouting from there as the Titans appeared to have notched victory no. 3 even if there was still a full quarter left to play.

?I guess this is a tribute to the players? professionalism,? said Guiao. ?They focused themselves on playing rather than dealing with other issues concerning our team. The management assured us not to worry. As for me, it makes my job easier as I don?t have to worry on things other than coaching.?

The scores:

Burger King (123)?Santos 22, David 18, Rodriguez 12, Villanueva 12, Cruz M. 12, Daniels 12, Quinahan 8, Baguio 8, Arboleda 7, Billones 5, Alonzo 4, Belga 3, Cruz C. 0.

Barako Bull (110)?Mcfadgon 31, Espinas 25, Hubalde 13, Sharma 11, Chan 8, Duncil 7, Yba?ez 4, Hrabak 4, Arigo 4, Najorda 2, Holper 1, Juntilla 0, Crisano 0.

Quarterscores: 33-23, 65-51, 97-70, 123-110.