"Defense kept us in the game when we’re struggling offensively. Defense won it for us," said coach Yeng Guiao as his Thunder got off to a winning start in the tourney where they bungled an amazing elimination-round stint and settled for fourth place last year.
The Express won the opening tip, scored the first basket of the game and led nearly the entire first three quarters only to sag and collapse in the face of the Thunder’s efficient defense in the last quarter.
Two breakaway layups by Jimwell Torion coming off steals highlighted a decisive run that had Red Bull seizing a 56-53 advantage after the first three quarters.
Taking the lead after a long, long chase, the Thunder sustained the momentum in the fourth quarter, keeping the pressure on the Express as they completed the gut-wrenching victory putting the team on equal footing with the Alaska Aces, the Shell TurboChargers and the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
At halftime, Red Bull introduced the new group making up the Sexy Bulls, performing a good number.
Willie Miller, last year’s MVP winner, unleashed an explosive second-half stint, making 12 points in the third quarter and adding two in the fourth for a game-high 21 points.
Miller had his share in a 12-0 run Red Bull used to wipe out a 10-point deficit in the third period.
Enrico Villanueva had a decent debut with the Thunder as the former Ateneo King Eagle tallied nine points.
"I’m glad Rico (Villanueva) got his confidence early. He got some big baskets and big rebounds," said Guiao of his prized amateur recruit.
In the other game, defending champion Coca-Cola came alive in the fourth quarter as it overcame a serious challenge from walking-wounded San Miguel Beer, 72-67.
Rudy Hatfield was the Tigers’ source of strength as the Busan Asiad veteran finished with 23 points and 19 rebounds, enough to shut down the Beermen, who played minus their big three — Danny Ildefonso, Danny Seigle and Dorian Peña.
Meanwhile, Barangay Ginebra seeks to gain early solo lead in the chart as it clashes with Sta. Lucia Realty in the tourney’s first out-of-town game at the Eastern College gym in Baguio City at 5 p.m. today.
The Kings go for a second straight win after kicking off their campaign with a stirring 84-76 win over the Purefoods Hotdogs Wednesday at the Philsports Arena. The Realtors lost their initial game to the Alaska Aces during the season inaugurals Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.