Thursday, February 07, 2008 Sta. Lucia moves a game away from PBA finals
MANILA—Sta. Lucia Realty leaned on its consistency in the free throw lane in the crucial stretch to beat the Alaska Aces, 95-90, yesterday and move just a game away from clinching the first finals berth of the 33rd Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Kelly Williams, Joseph Yeo and Dennis Espino scored the Realtors’ final eight points from the free throw area to forge a pivotal 3-2 lead against the Aces in the best-of-seven semifinal series.
“Now, at least we are ahead by just one game. But they have to beat us now twice if they want to prevent us from entering the finals. I think we are prepared for that in our next game,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.
But what really aided the Realtors third victory in the long series was the Aces’ total collapse in the field goal department in the dying minutes. They missed all their nine attempts for the basket after the Realtors shattered the 13th and last deadlock, 90-90, with only 1:07 remaining in the game.
“Alaska is a strong team. I expect them to come back, I knew they will but we will have more of our defense also,” added Fernandez.
For coach Tim Cone, the series is not over yet and they will do better in the sixth game on Friday at the same venue.
“The fatigue factor has seemed to slow us down but we are used to this kind of game. We will play harder next game,” said coach Cone, who embraced Fernandez as a gesture of sportsmanship after the match.
Coach Fernandez praised the Aces for their strong comeback after falling behind by 14 points early in the third period, saying experience did it for Alaska, which is the third winningest team in the league with 12 conference titles, including the 2003 Invitational.
“Once again, I gave credit to my veterans Marlou Aquino and Espino and also to Paolo Mendoza. They stepped up in the game. Kelly Williams and Joseph Yeo and even Nelbert Omolon played well today,” said Fernandez.
Paolo Mendoza finished with 19 points, scoring 11 in the third period, while the 6-foot-9 Aquino settled for 18 points on top of 5 rebounds and two assists. (FCC)
