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By Frank Calapre, Correspondent
RED BULL hang tough in the crucial stretch to
beat Magnolia, 112-94, for a sweep of the best-of-three quarterfinal
series Friday in the 33rd Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta
Astrodome.
Junthy Valenzuela finished with 27 points,
including 12 in the fourth quarter, as the Barakos marched into the
semifinals for the seventh time since joining the league in 2000.
“It’s a good feeling to be in the semis and
we did it against the strongest team on paper,” said head
coach Yeng Guiao, whose wards will face Purefoods in the
best-of-seven semifinals.
Still playing at press time were Alaska and
Coca-Cola, with the winner advancing in the Final Four against Sta.
Lucia Realty.
The win was Red Bull’s fitting follow-up to
its 107-104 triumph over Magnolia in Game 1 on Wednesday.
“It was consistency that enabled us to reach
the next round. And it was not about big salaries or strong players
but determination and fighting heart,” added Guiao, who steered
the Barakos to two championships.
Scores:
RED BULL 112 - Valenzuela 27, Najorda 15, Cruz
14, Adriano 11, Baguio 10, Pennisi 10, Sharma 9, Ybanez 6, Andaya 3,
Hrabak 3, Bugia 2, Robinson 2.
MAGNOLIA 94 - Tugade 31, Tenorio 13, Seigle 13,
Hontiveros 10, Villanueva R. 9, Ildefonso 7, Villanueva J. 6,
Gonzales 5, Calaguio 0, Peña 0.
Quarters: 23-27, 55-40, 78-70, 112-94
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