HoopWatch

The Red Bull Barakos carved out a cardiac squeaker over the resurgent Coca-Cola Tigers, hacking out an emphatic 105-103 victory in their match-up earlier today.

Import James Penny hit a crucial jumper with 15 seconds remaining to put the Barakos on top for good. He had another all-around performance, contributing 13 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, two steals and three blocks. With the win, Red Bull secured the top spot and clinched a Semi-Finals berth in the ongoing PBA Fiesta Conference. They have a 13-5 record. Local Cyrus Baguio led his team in scoring with 26, and had six assists as well.

Coca-Cola almost had the game secured, getting an impressive debut from its new import in Rashad Bell. Bell had magnificent numbers scoring 40 points and grabbing 14 caroms. But it was not enough as the highly methodical Red Bull crept back into the game despite playing All-Filipino almost the whole third quarter, with Penny saddled with four early fouls.

Now the Barakos have to find a way to keep its players fit, as they will have a long rest. Teams ranked sixth to ninth will still gut it out for the Wildcard Phase, with the lone winner going to the Quarter Finals. That team will play against the third seeded team which is still to be determined. The fourth and fifth seeds will fight it out for the Semis seat. The two winners will then play Red Bull and the second seeded team.