|
Thursday, June 10, 2004
Coachless Red Bull rips San Mig Beer
By Jade S. Violeta
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
WHEN Red Bull Barako coach Yeng Guiao said that miracles do happen and he’s a believer, he wasn’t off the mark after his squad pulled another spectacular win yesterday in the opening salvo of Gran Matador-PBA Fiesta Conference quarterfinal round at the Araneta Coliseum.
With Guiao sitting in the locker room after being ejected in the third quarter, the Barakos vented their ire on the elimination-round leaders, San Miguel Beer, as Red Bull bounced back from a slow first half to blast the Beermen, 96-89, to take the early leadership in Group A.
Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, for their part, pulled their own upset victory after toppling the Alaska Aces in the opening game to snatch Group B’s top spot.
After trailing for three quarters in the game, the Barakos’ offensive machine suddenly revved up to life in the fourth canto as they turned the momentum around in their favor to gain a leverage in the single round-robin quarterfinals.
Mick Pennissi emerged as the Barakos’ knight in shining armor as the Fil-Italian cager banged in 14 markers including a 3-out-of-6 3-point shooting on top of four rebounds to snare the Best Player of the Game award.
Red Bull import Victor Thomas also displayed an excellent all-around effort as he chipped in 32 points and 14 boards while Enrico Villanueva had 11 baskets and three rebounds for the Barakos.
The Beermen, who suffered just two losses in the eliminations, controlled the first quarter with a 22-17 edge and increased this to nine at the half, 51-42.
Red Bull managed to fight back in the penultimate canto and reduced the Beermen’s lead to one point, 68-69, entering the final phase.
A seven to four spurt by the Barakos gave the lead at 75-73 at the start of the final period and from then on floored the gas pedal, leaving the Beermen eating their dust.
San Miguel was led by Danny Ildefonso, who scored 22 points and grabbed 15 boards, Dondon Hontiveros, who chipped in 17 markers and import Art Long, who added 21 baskets and 13 boards.
(June 10, 2004 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here. |
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
