HoopWatch

The Red Bull Barakos were still recovering from an 85-103 loss to the Realtors last Wednesday. And, right away, they faced the energy-full expansion team Welcoat Dragons. Red Bull had to call out on their championship poise to hack out an 80-77 win over the Dragons, after falling by as much as 17 in the second quarter.

Mick Pennissi caught fire hitting six of his ten triples, the last one coming-off a pass from Rich Alvarez, which tied the ball game at 74-all. It would be the last tie for the game, as Welcoat went scoreless for 3:30 minutes. Carlos Sharma, Junthy Valenzuela and Alvarez combined for a six-to-nothing spurt, to extend the lead at 80-74 with less than a minute remaining. Welcoat wingman Jojo Tangkay then hit a corner trey over the outstretched arms of Valenzuela to cut the lead down to three, 80-77. Both teams then battled for the loose ball on a botched Red Bull play, as Pennissi threw the ball high up in the air as time expired.

It was the fourth victory for the Barakos in six games, and the fourth loss of the Dragons in six games as well.

Sharma, who was picked from the free agency prior to the season after two unproductive PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) years, scored a career-high 22 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. Valenzuela added 14 points, 14 rebounds and 8 assists.

Rookie Junjun Cabatu topscored for the Dragons with a career-high 22 points. Tangkay added 13.

Red Bull All-Star center Enrico Villanueva could only muster 4 points as Welcoat constantly double-teamed him every time he gets the ball.

Meanwhile, Defending PBA Philippine Cup Champions Purefoods Chunkee Giants also won a close one over the struggling Alaska Aces, 82-78.

With 34 seconds left, and Alaska down by just three, Aces center Sonny Thoss was called for a questionable offensive foul against Purefoods All-Star center Kerby Raymundo. That totally changed the complexion of the game because that Thoss shot went in.

Peter June Simon led the Giants with 21 points, and Reigning MVP James Yap added 18.

Forward Nic Belasco led the Aces with 18.