Red Bull defense foils Chargers

Red Bull lived up to pre-season billing as one of the chief contenders as it outclassed Shell Turbo Chargers last night for a big comeback following a terrible loss in the PBA All-Filipino Cup last year.

The Thunder simply outplayed the Turbo Chargers and hacked out a 76-60 rout at the Philsports Arena as they bounced back from a 77-88 loss to the Pop Cola Panthers Friday.

Coach Yeng Guiao’s chargers actually came out a bit sloppy on offense but played very well defensively, foiling the Turbo Chargers’ bid to score their first back-to-back victories in more than seven months.

Devon Harp and Mick Pennisi made their presence underneath, Willie Miller provided significant numbers coming off the bench and the rest of the Red Bull players stepped up to fashion out a well-balanced game in dominating the Turbo Chargers.

But Harp, last year’s Rookie of the Year, made the biggest impact as he snared 22 rebounds — the most by any player since Tanduay import Ira Clark also pulled down 22 in the Rhum Masters’ 95-73 drubbing of the Sta. Lucia Realtors on Aug. 30 in the Commissioner’s Cup last year.

Harp also scored 12 points for Red Bull which drew five points or more from all but one of the Thunder who saw action in the game.

"May pambayad na ako sa fine na ibinigay sa akin ng Commissioner’s office," said Guiao in jest after the game.

Guiao, who was fined P5,000 for misconduct in their game versus Pop Cola, later commended his boys despite so-so offensives in the contest.

He said: "Defense carried us. We’re sloppy on offense because the players still need to jell with one another. I believe the talent is there but the problem is how to jell. If we can play cohesively, I think we have a good chance at making it to the semifinals."

Red Bull turned the ball over 17 times and shot only 38 percent from the field.

Still the Thunder carried the tempo throughout, holding a 23-14 spread at the end of the first quarter before sitting on a 34-29 cushion at halftime and a 51-42 spread after three quarters.

Shell struggled with only Mark Telan dishing out a solid game, finishing with 21 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Benjie Paras added 12 points but committed seven turnovers.

Shell coach Perry Ronquillo gave his top draft pick Michael Hrabak more playing time this time but the Fil-Am couldn’t make a difference for the Turbo Chargers.

Miller, the No. 1 draft pick overall this year, put up crucial numbers with 11 points, four rebounds and three assists.

"I’m giving Willie (Miller) and Kerby (Raymundo) extra attention because I want to build up their confidence. Kerby was still excited while Willie looked confused but I know they will get their game going," said Guiao of their new players.