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Thursday, February 09, 2006
Red Bull wins Game 1
Enrico Villanueva delivered the clutch baskets in overtime as Red Bull scored a 107-102 victory over Purefoods in Game 1 of their best-of-seven championship series in the Philippine Basketball Association San Mig Coffee Fiesta Conference.
Villanueva, voted the game’s best player, scored five points in the final minute of the extension period to stave off a spirited Purefoods rally.
After a free throw and a long jumper just inside the 3-point line from top of the key put Red Bull up by seven, 103-96, 37.1 seconds left in the game, Noy Castillo suddenly erupted for Purefoods, banging in back-to-back 3-pointers for a 6-1 run that cut the lead to two, 102-104, less than 20 seconds remaining.
Free throws
Villanueva responded with two quick free throws for a four-point edge, while Purefoods committed a crucial turnover at the other end that sealed the Barakos’ victory.
Junthy Valenzuela’s split free throws put the final nail on Purefoods’ coffin.
Villanueva scored 25 points, hauled down 12 rebounds and blocked a pair of shots in an all-around performance for the Barakos.
Meanwhile, Air21 took the second runner-up trophy after beating Barangay Ginebra, 108-98, in the one-game battle for third.
Although it was only the second runner-up trophy, Air21 Express hoisted it like it had won its first-ever PBA title.
Shawn Daniels registered 25 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in his farewell game for Air21.
“We may not be playing in the finals but the second runner-up trophy that we’re bringing home feels like the championship (trophy),” said Air 21 coach Bo Perasol, who was just as jubilant as his troops.
Perasol confessed that he encouraged his players to go for it (third place) “as a tribute for Shawn who brought us where we are and at the same time to honor everybody’s effort.”
It was the highest finish for the Express in a regular tournament since taking over the Tanduay franchise in 2002, although it also finished second runner-up in the 2003 PBA Invitationals, a side tournament in between conferences.
Motivation
“I think it’s a motivation for the players that we’re gunning for the franchise’s best finish. Besides the only other trophy we had at the office is already gathering dust so it’s about time we replace it,” said Perasol, who did an amazing job of turning the league’s perennial whipping club into a title contender.
Ranidel de Ocampo scored 17 points and had nine boards, Nino Canaleta had 15 points and Renren Ritualo added 14 for the Express, who cashed in on their strong rebounding and Ginebra’s erratic play.
The Express grabbed a total 48 rebounds, five more than the Kings, 19 of those came off the offensive glass that generated them 21 second chance points. (JCT with PBA media bureau)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (February 9, 2006 issue)
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