Enrico Villanueva, Red Bull’s hulk of a center, put up a sterling performance and carried Red Bull on his shoulders in overtime play as they withstood the Purefoods Chunkee Giants, 107-102, in a fierce battle in the opener of their San Mig Coffee PBA Fiesta Cup best-of-seven title playoff last night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Villanueva showed up Kerby Raymundo in their much-anticipated matchup at the post and made a personal conference-high 25 points, including nine in the extra play, in a red-hot showing worthy of his King Bull tag.
The former Ateneo Blue Eagle missed a desperation game-winning attempt in the dying seconds of regulation but made everything possible for his team in overtime.
"I’m not surprised with his game. He showed his worth against Eric Menk and Rommel Adducul (in the Red Bull-Ginebra series) and he found another personal challenge while ranged against Kerby (Raymundo)," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao of Villanueva.
Villanueva outplayed Raymundo in the extension play, shooting over the Purefoods ace slotman for the crucial shots that sealed their victory.
The Bulls actually worked well together most of the way with James Penny, Lordy Tugade and Larry Fonacier also finishing in double figures. The team also put up an efficient defense, forcing Purefoods to commit 32 errors — the most by any team in the conference.
"The boys played relentless defense and they showed so much energy in doing it. I’m more confident we can win this series," said Guiao.
"They came prepared. And we really couldn’t win a game while committing 32 turnovers," said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio.
In the first game, Air21 Express beat the Barangay Ginebra Kings, 108-98, in their one-game playoff for third place. It was the Express best ever finish in a tourney since joining the league in 2002.
PBA NOTES: Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao drew a long standing ovation from the crowd as he’s called to do a "Ceremonial Shot" in the series opener. After acknowledging the cheers, Pacquiao went on to take the shot from the foul line that went airball, eliciting laughter from the crowd. He took another shot from close range but missed it, too. He was then escorted to his VIP seat to another round of applause from his PBA fans.