BATANG Red Bull drew first blood in its best-of-seven semifinals series as the Barakos outlasted the Talk ’N Text Phone Pals in Game 1 yesterday, 107-101, in the 2007 Talk ’N Text PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
Fighting on the heels of the departure of its star players, Enrico Villanueva and Lordy Tugade to other teams, and the absence of Mick Pennissi, who is with the national team, the Barakos proved they still have enough power to sustain their campaign towards defending their Fiesta Conference title as they turned back several spirited runs of the Phone Pals to secure the win.
Former PBA Rookie of the Year Larry Fonacier bagged 11 of his 14 total points in the final canto to help Red Bull withstand Talk ’N Text’s final push to snare the Best Player of the Game award.
Leo Najorda also had a big night for the Barakos, who are trying to become the first team to ever defend the Fiesta Conference crown, as he logged in 12 points and three rebounds in 17 minutes, while Cyrus Baguio chipped in 13 of his own. Chance
The Barakos ruled the opening half of the game, 45-44, before the Phone Pals snatched the lead, 75-72, at the end of the penultimate quarter.
Red Bull, though, regained the lead in the final frame and were leading the Phone Pals, 93-86, in the last 4:27.
Talk ’N Text managed to cut down the lead to three points in the ensuing plays and were given the chance to further slash it to just two in the final 44.9 seconds when they were behind by only four points, 101-105.
But Cebuano Junthy Valenzuela doused cold water on Talk ’N Text hopes as he made a huge defensive stop after a Red Bull turnover as he forced the Phone Pals’ import JJ Sullinger to a rebound against Celino Cruz.
The Phone Pals secured the leather after the rebound but the Barakos again made another defensive stop, this time courtesy of import James Penny, who intercepted the ball and tapped it towards the hands of Cruz as time dwindled down.
The losing Phone Pals were headed by Sullinger, who made 27 points including a perfect 7-of-7 from the free throw area, and grabbed 13 rebounds. Jay Washington also chipped in 19 markers, while Mac Cardona and Don Allado, contributed 15 apiece. (JSV)
