Thursday, January 31, 2008 Barakos even series with Red Bull, 1-1
MANILA The Red Bull Barakos made the right adjustments on defense and went on to beat Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, 93-89, yesterday to level the best-of-seven semifinal series of the 33rd Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrdome.
Veteran Junthy Valenzuela scored 11 points in the fourth quarter and Cyrus Baguio led a strong offense at the start of the match to lift the Barakos to a 1-1 tie with the Giants in the long series.
“I think the longer the series goes, it’s going to be better for us. Because as you can see both Kerby Raymundo and James Yap played too many minutes and I’m sure they will get tired in Games 4 and 5,” said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao, who holds five PBA crowns, three with Red Bull and two with the former Swift Mighty Meaty.
The Barakos, who owned three conference titles in the league already, were leading most of the way and even stretched it to its biggest, 71-58, some 9:54 of the final period that served serious notice of their intention to avenge an 84-103 setback in the first game last Sunday.
“We played good defense today. That’s what the most important adjustments that we have made. I would like to see first how Purefoods would also adjust in Game 3 then if necessary, we will go back to the drawing board,” said Guiao.
The results of the game somehow made Guiao predict a very close series in their quest to reach the finals against the Giants, who are seeking their 20th finals appearance since joining the league in 1988.
“I think this victory showed that we knew how to play against Purefoods. It’s not like playing Magnolia. They are two different teams,” said Guiao.
Baguio topscored for Red Bull with 19 points and had three rebounds and two assists, while Francis Adriano and Valenzuela added 16 points apiece.
James Yap, the 2006 MVP, led the Giants with 29 points including five three-point shots. Raymundo contributed 18 and Chico Lañete had 10. (FCC)
