Games Tomorrow
(Astrodome)
4:05 p.m. - TNT vs. Purefooods
6:35 p.m. - Sta. Lucia vs. Red Bull
BY NOLI CORTEZ
ANTIPOLO. – One expected ally finally came
to Red Bull’s side Friday and now the Bulls are just one step
away from realizing a cherished dream.
Red Bull fashioned a 112-96 win over Sta.
Lucia Realty to move within another victory of making the
semifinals of the Talk N Text PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares
Center.
Enrico Villanueva rediscovered his
rampaging ways, scoring 20 points to almost triple his series
average and at the same time give additional inspiration to
his teammates in a game they sped up from the get-go.
Five other Bulls, led by old reliable
Junthy Valenzuela, also turned in double digit performances as
the Photokina franchise notched its second straight win to
take a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five affair.
"The situation is turning for the better
for this team," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao after the game
that saw his team post as much as a 71-50 lead in the third
period and an 83-63 spread in the final canto.
"We did not play that well in the first two
games (of the series) at eto na ang best game namin. We were
able to speed up the game and sustain it."
The biggest thing going for his team, added
Guiao, is the fatigue factor on the Realtors, who were playing
their eighth game in as many playdates and 26
overall, the most by any team in the tournament.
"I think it is only now that Sta. Lucia is
feeling its long season," noted Guiao, who also wasted no time
in predicting his team’s victory tomorrow that will push them
in the best-of-seven semifinals against early qualifier San
Miguel Beer.
"Now that we have the momentum, din na
namin pakakawalan ito. Kakayurin na namin ito sa Linggo," he
said.
Nelbert Omolon had 21 points and seven
rebounds to lead SLR, which also had four others scoring in
double figures.
Despite feeling the wear and tear, Sta. Lucia actually
matched Red Bull in fastbreak points (24) and gave up only
four more rebounds (53-57).
