THE veteran-laden Sta. Lucia Realtors took a share of the top spot in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup as they outlasted the Alaska Aces, 98-92, in the opening game at the San Juan gym.
The victory, the Realtors’ third-straight, puts them alongside the Brgy.Ginebra Gin Kings and Talk N’ Text Phone Pals on top of the heap.
The Aces, who absorbed their third loss in four games, started to encounter rough sailing against the Realtors after Alaska’s main point man, Mike Cortez, got injured in the opening half.
The Realtors of coach Alfrancis Chua managed to take the edge at the end of the opening period, 27-22, before Alaska zoomed past them in the ensuing phase.
When Cortes left the game for good, the Aces were still leading the Realtors by 10 points but that lead quickly dwindled into nothingness as Sta. Lucia stepped up on their offense to eventually overtake Alaska.
Dennis Espino spearheaded the Realtors’ win as he banged in 22 markers while no.1 rookie pick, Kelly Williams, chipped in 15 points.
Meanwhile, Welcoat Dragons will take on San Miguel Beermen today at the Araneta Coliseum. (JSV)
