After their first outing, they look like they’re still good for another title run.

With Leo Najorda and Paolo Bugia leading the way, the Barakos held off the Talk N Text Phone Pals for a 101-91 win last night in the PBA Pre-Season mini tournament at the JSCGO gym in Cubao.

The Barakos turned the game around in the final three minutes with excellent teamwork and tough defense that limited the Phone Pals to just two points in that stretch.

"I think we’re still a contender," said Red Bull coach Yeng Guiao of his team, the reigning Fiesta Conference champion and runner up to Purefoods in the Philippine Cup.

"But we still have to work on a lot of areas to be able to contend with Ginebra. I think Ginebra is the team to beat this season because of its depth and size and San Miguel could be a surprise treat if LA Tenorio blends well with the team quickly," said Guiao.

Among other things, Guiao said the Barakos have to improve on their rebounding. The Phone Pals dominated the Barakos in the battle of the boards, 51-45.

Cyrus Baguio scored 18 points to show the way for the Barakos with Najorda

chipping in 17 points and had nine rebounds and Bugia adding 14 and seven boards.

The victory tied Red Bull with Coca-Cola in Group A while dealing TNT its first loss in two starts.

TNT coach Derrick Pumaren continued to rest his three stars – Asi Taulava, Jimmy Alapag and Don Allado - and delegated the fight to MacMac Cardona, Felix Belano and Anthony Washinton.

Meanwhile, Sta. Lucia Cesar Catli and Kenneth Duremdes and TNT’s Cardona has been summoned to appear before PBA Commissioner Noli Eala at 11 this morning to explain their side regarding the untoward incident that nearly marred their game Monday.

The game won by the Phone Pals, 93-84, turned ugly in the closing minutes when Catli and Cardona traded blows. Both were ejected from the game.

Duremdes was invited for his flagrant and technical foul he committed.