Reavis gives Tigers teeth

TACLOBAN, Leyte — All of a sudden, the Coca-Cola Tigers weren’t just purring on the court.

The Tigers went wild on the return of Fil-Am center-forward Rafi Reavis and devoured the Red Bull Barakos, 82-64, in a San Mig Coffee PBA Fiesta Cup road showcase at the Leyte National High School gym here last night.

Reavis, back in harness after a five-month suspension, proved to be the missing link for the Tigers as they regained their highly competitive form, snapping a four-game skid in the Xtreme Magic Sing-backed tourney.

He didn’t pile up monstrous numbers but the reed-thin player provided the team the needed inside presence and was largely responsible in holding Quemont Greer to only 16 points.

Obviously becoming a much-better team on the return of Reavis, the Tigers totally outclassed the Barakos as they notched their second win in seven outings.

Import Omar Thomas scored 24 points in his second game with the team and Reavis, John Arigo, Ali Peek and William Antonio all added at least 10 points as Coca-Cola dealt Red Bull its fourth defeat against the same number of wins.

Reavis went to work early and finished with 12 points and seven rebounds in his very first game since May 6.

The Tigers jumped the gun on the Barakos, 10-2, and never let up, enjoying a lead as big as 22 at 80-58 in the fourth quarter.

Red Bull, who suffered a second straight defeat following a blowout by Alaska Wednesday, led just once in the game at 12-10.

Playing with a great resolve, the Tigers outscored the Barakos in all quarters.

Meanwhile, pre-tournament title favorites Talk n Text and Alaska Milk finally see each other on the playing court today at the Araneta Coliseum. They play at 6:30 p.m. with the winner drawing level with the Purefoods Chunkee Giants atop the heap with similar 6-2 win-loss cards. The loser will just be half-game adrift at 5-3.

Although they will miss the services of 6-foot-6 center Don Allado, coach Tim Cone believes they can find way to hold their ground against the Phone Pals and possibly stretch their streak to five games.