BARAKOS SURVIVE GIANTS’ LAST-DITCH RALLY TO LEVEL SERIES

BARAKOS SURVIVE GIANTS’ LAST-DITCH RALLY TO LEVEL SERIES

Valenzuela’s experience, poise in endgame help bail Red Bull out of trouble

Wednesday, 30 January 2008

Junthy Valenzuela found his touch in the fourth quarter and Red Bull did what it do best – play defense – in Game 2 to beat the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants, 93-89, Wednesday night at the Cuneta Astrodome. After struggling with his shooting in the first three quarters, Valenzuela went 4-of-6 in the fourth quarter that included two big baskets in the closing minutes to fend off a fiery Purefoods charge which enabled Red Bull to tie their best-of-seven semifinal series at one game apiece. Red Bull head coach Yeng Guiao said they made the necessary adjustments after losing by 19 points in the Game 1. "We forgot to bring our defense with us in the first game. But tonight we played better defense," said Guiao during the postgame news conference. The Barakos, who lost Game 1 103-84, did a remarkable effort defensively by shutting down virtually all of Purefoods’ offensive source. "I don't think there will be too many blowouts like what happened in Game 1. From hereon, I guess it's going to be a defensive series. I don't think you'll see a lot of games in the 100s. Every team will try to stop the other team and not just try to outscore them," offered Guiao. Game 2 was an all-Red Bull show with the Barakos building a comfortable lead early as their tenacious defense kept Purefoods' top two scorers – Kerby Raymundo and James Yap out of their comfort zone. "I think we know how to play Purefoods. Our two victories against them were no fluke, its just that we were really tired last Sunday coming off two tough games against Magnolia in the quarters," said Guiao, defending his troops lackluster effort in Game 1. Game 3 of the SMART-PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series will be played Friday at 7:20 also at the Cuneta Astrodome. "That game will be very pivotal in this series," said Guiao, who expects the next two games to take its toll on Raymundo and James Yap. "Those guys will eventually feel the fatigue. Kerby and James are just playing too many minutes and handling the ball too many times. So I guess the longer this series goes the better for us," the Pampanga Vice-Governor explained. Red Bull held a 66-55 lead going into the fourth quarter but that comfortable margin almost dissipated as the Barakos missed crucial shots and turned the ball over on three consecutive possessions. The Giants quickly capitalized and completed an 11-0 run with James Yap ending the spurt with a three-point play that pulled the Purefoods within 78-79 with 3:50 remaining. But Mick Pennisi answered with a three on Red Bull's next possession then Valenzuela, who scored 11 of his 16 points in the fourth quarter, scored two quick baskets and assisted Cyrus Baguio for a fastbreak layup as the Barakos brought the lead back up to 88-80 and virtually took away whatever hopes Purefoods for a comeback. Guiao said the burden to make the adjustments now rests on the shoulders of Purefoods head coach Ryan Gregorio. Cyrus Baguio, who was nowhere to be found in Game 1, scored 19 points and sparked Red Bulls' offense in the first half. Kiko Adriano added 16, most of them when Purefoods threatened to make a run in the second half. James Yap led all scorers with 29 points and Raymundo added 18 for the Giants, who outrebounded the Barakos, 51-37. The Giants, who trailed by as much as 14 points, appeared to gain momentum in the third quarter but Raymundo, who was picking up his rhythm, busted his lips following a contact with Baguio. The injury required five stitches to close and kept the star forward on the bench the entire quarter. The scores: Red Bull 93 -- Baguio 19, Adriano 16, Valenzuela 16, Ybanes 10, Cruz 9, Pennisi 7, Sharma 6, Hrabak 6, Najorda 2, Bugia 2. Purefoods 89 -- James Yap 29, Raymundo 18, Lanete 10, Simon 7, Pingris 6, R. Yap 6, Evangelista 6, Adducul 3, Salvador 2, Castillo 2, Sanz, 0, Yee 0. Quarterscores: 22-13; 44-33; 66-55; 93-89 Source: http://www.pba.ph/content/view/1973/1/