The victory pushed the Barakos into a share of second place with idle Barangay Ginebra at 7-5 going into the All-Star break.
But more than that, Red Bull reaffirmed its mastery over Talk ‘N Text, which it beat 91-89 the first time they met this conference.
"Mahirap talagang talunin ng dalawang sunod ang Talk ‘N Text. But I told the boys before the game that it is a relaxing thought to be in a share of second place with Ginebra going into the All-Star break," said a beaming Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao.
Though armed with several top shooters, the Phone Pals failed to draw firepower from the likes of Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and Willie Miller who combined only for 22 points.
Mark Clemente Telan banged in 10 points to keep the Phone Pals in the thick of things in the third period, but was held down to just a single basket in the final quarter.
The Phone Pals dropped to 6-5.
"The team (Red Bull) is playing much better now because the young ones and the veterans are blending well so far. The chemistry is certainly building up. To beat Talk ‘N Text, you really have to play well as a team," said Guiao.
"I guess the one day difference really gave Talk ‘N Text little time to adjust, aside from adding more pressure on them (Phonepals) kaya nahirapan din sila sa amin. As for the boys, they simply sustained the pace we had in our Friday game. We just kept the running game," he added.
The Phone Pals, who were held down to just one field a goal in the 3:04 of the game, shot a horrendous 36.2 percent (34-of-94) from the field. Although Damien Cantrell and Tauleva helped the Phonepals control the boards, the Barakos simply outgunned Talk ‘N Text with their sleek running game, edging the Pals, 18-10, in fastbreak points.
Lordy Tugade stepped up big for Red Bull, tying a career-best 28 points on a near-flawless shooting from the field (9-of-10), including a perfect 3-of-3 from beyond the are.
Import Quemont Greer added 21 points and 12 boards while playmaker Celino Cruz, who didn’t play last Friday, came off the bench to score 13 points, aside from holding Talk ‘N Text top point guard Jimmy Alapag to just two points.
