Philippine Sports News and Updates

Red Bull put an end to its losing woes and caught a big fish in Alaska, 100-80, to stay afloat in the 2008-09 KFC-PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

Rookie Jeff Chan scored a career-high 23 points, to help Red Bull end their eight-game losing streak and improve to 4-11 mark.

"We're just trying to save some respect of what is left from the basketball-watching public," said Red Bull head coach Yeng Guiao. "I think this win will lift our morale up."

The Barakos were hardly given a chance against the league-leading Alaska but Chan had other plans in mind.

The former FEU standout came out with timely baskets in the payoff period that somehow doused the rally of Alaska. His three-pointer early in the fourth gave Red Bull a 75-62 cushion.

From there, Red Bull never lost focus to grab the much-needed win.

"We're not totally giving up this conference," said Guiao, who have Air21, Coca-Cola and Sta. Lucia Realty as their last three assignments in the elimination phase.

"Manipis talaga kami ngayon but it's really a tough task ahead. Let's see what will happen," he added.

Cyrus Baguio added 13 markers for Red Bull while Mike Holper turned in his best game yet in Barakos uniform in with 12 points and 10 rebounds.

It was indeed a very disappointing loss for Alaska as it failed to solidify its hold of the top spot for a possible automatic semifinal seat.

The Aces dropped to 10-5 and though they are still holding the top spot, they are just a half a game behind their pursuers.

TNT blasts Rain or Shine
In the second game, Talk 'N Text boosted its own chance for a semis berth when it defeated Rain or Shine, 92-83, for its fourth straight win and joined San Miguel Beer in the second place with 9-6 mark.

Mark Cardona and Jimmy Alapag each had 24 points apiece for the Tropang Texters, who trailed in the first half but came out strong after the break to avenge their 96-104 loss in the first round.

Rookies Jared Dillinger and Jason Castro contributed 14 markers each while Harvey Carey grabbed a team-high 15 rebounds for Talk 'N Text.

Top pick Gabe Norwood paced the Elasto Painters with 16 points while Mark Isip and Allan Salangsang had 14 apiece.

Celebrated rookie Solomon Mercado was held to just two points in just 19 minutes, missing all of his attempts for Rain or Shine, which saw its three-game losing streak snapped by TNT to slide down in the team standings with 8-7.