The Barakos came out bristling on both ends of the court and dominated the Aces who practically raised the white flag as early as the third quarter with coach Tim Cone ejected from the game on two technical fouls.
"We played better defense today than yesterday, showed so much energy and we’re able to frustrate Alaska," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao in their big comeback from a disappointing 80-89 defeat in Game One.
"At first, I was worried over our form as we’re coming off a loss in a tight killer schedule. But we came up with so much energy, enabling us to keep Alaska from imposing their gameplan on us," Guiao added.
Red Bull and Alaska clash for the third straight day today at the Araneta Coliseum, disputing the right to meet San Miguel Beer in the Final Four in a sudden-death match.
"It’s gonna be close all the way, for sure. And it’s gonna be more of a defensive game. Sudden death is a defensive game," said Guiao.
Starters Earl Barron, Enrico Villanueva, Topex Robinson, Cyrus Baguio and Bryan Gahol got Red Bull to a strong start with Lordy Tugade, Nelson Asaytono, Vergel Meneses and Warren Ybanez sustaining the momentum coming off the bench as the Barakos avoided early elimination.
Nearly everything, meanwhile, went against the Aces’ way that Cone blew his top midway through the third quarter, courting two technical fouls that caused his ejection from the game.
The Aces were down by 15, 42-57, when Cone was thrown out of the court.
"Our bench worked for us and breaks of the game also helped us. I don’t think we’re already safe (when Cone drew his second technical foul)," said Guiao.
Upon the ouster of Cone, the Barakos pressed their bid, stretching their lead to 72-47 at the end of the third quarter.
Alaska reserves Rob Duat, Ron Johnson, Joachim Thoss and Stephen Padilla delivered points that trimmed the gap to what it was in the end.
The Aces committed 23 turnovers as against the Barakos’ 14. Red Bull scored 21 big points off those Alaska errors.