Listless Red Bull still pulls through

Red Bull continued its amazing run of victories defeating Sta. Lucia Realty, 69-66, last night only five days after shocking San Miguel Beer as the Thunder moved closer to a guaranteed twice-to-beat incentive in the PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals.

Stunning the Beermen, 98-92, in overtime Saturday, the Thunder returned to humble the Realtors last night to the delight of their supporters at the Philsports Arena.

The Thunder actually played a bit sloppy but enjoyed the breaks at endgame as they overcame the Realtors and regained the solo lead with a 5-1 win-loss record in the process.

One more win and Red Bull could secure a place in the Top Four, assuring the team of a twice-to-beat privilege in the round.

Despite the loss, Sta. Lucia stayed in the upper-half of the chart with a 3-2 mark.

"It’s not really a pretty win but the important thing is that we still got it. It’s a testimony to the transformation of this team. I think this game showed that we’re getting there. Nagkakaroon na ng character," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.

"We’re on a run but I think part of the reason is that some teams still don’t believe we can pull it off. However, we also feel it’s getting difficult for us. Pinaghahandaan na rin kami ngayon ng mga kalaban, hindi katulad noon," Guiao added.

The Thunder scored their lowest winning output with the team struggling on the floor, hitting on a 37-percent clip.

But the team kept its patience and methodically went on to salvage the game with the Realtors lapsing into crucial errors in the closing seconds.

Davonn Harp scored a charity to make it 67-64 with time down to 23 seconds following back-to-back Sta. Lucia errors that had Dennis Espino issuing a bad pass to Joe Temple then Chris Tan being called for a travelling violation.

Temple cut their deficit to one at 66-67 on a drive but Ato Agustin quickly restored a three-point lead for Red Bull on two free throws with only nine seconds left in the clock.

Sta. Lucia had a chance to send the game into overtime but Ronnie Magsanoc nearly fumbled a pass by Espino and couldn’t get a clear view for a three-point shot at the buzzer.

Ray Tutt came up with another double-double job for Red Bull with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Jimwell Torion added 14 points while Harp 14 rebounds and nine points.

Temple paced the Realtors with 28 points that went with 13 rebounds and one steal.