Red Bull wins with Bunn on the run

Joe Bunn lived up to his reputation as a gunslinger in his debut in the Philippine Basketball Association, burning the hoops with 47 points as Red Bull trounced Shell, 94-81, in the second playdate of the Samsung Governors Cup at the Philsports Arena last night.

Armed with a deadly semi-hook, the former North Carolina A&T mainstay, who’s veteran of the Spanish and Argentinian leagues, wreaked havoc inside, dismantling Shell’s 1-2-2 zone defense.

The 27-year-old Bunn went 20-of-27 from the field and finished with 47 points that went with 19 rebounds in a solid no-relief job.

Bunn went to work early, erupting for 30 points in the first half and the Thunder took the cue as they easily disposed of the Turbo Chargers to gain an early share of the lead with the Coca-Cola Tigers in the season-opening tournament.

"I’m happy with my imports. I have a small and a big imports that both can play the post. They helped the team play a good game tonight," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.

"Our big advantage is the fact that our two imports came early for the tournament. They have adjusted to our kind of game. We knew Derek Grimm can shoot but he’s out of shape," Guiao added.

Bunn and Julius Nwosu did show good bonding with the Thunder as the reigning Commissioner’s Cup titlists played with great cohesion in dominating the Turbo Chargers.