Streaking Viva Mineral topples ICTSI La Salle

Cebu City — Viva Mineral Water overcame a sluggish start as it rallied from 19 points down to beat ICTSI La Salle, 81-73, yesterday and extend its amazing run to five in the Sunkist PBL Unity Cup at the New Cebu City Coliseum here.

Mark Isip, a sophomore forward out of Far Eastern University, topscored with 19 points but it was Warren Ybañez who keyed the Water Force big run in the second half en route to notching their fifth win in eight games.

Viva remained at third place behind Hapee Toothpaste (6-1) and John-O (6-2).

Ybanez knocked in all of his 17 points in the final two quarters as Viva bounced back from a 34-49 deficit at the half to win pulling away.

ICTSI actually unloaded four more points at the onset of the third period as the Archers roared to a huge 34-53 lead.

But the Water Force refused to crack up and showed a big fighting heart to overcome the odds.

"It’s definitely heart," said Viva coach Coy Banal after steering his wards to the big turnaround.

ICTSI reeled to its fifth loss against three wins as it dropped into a tie with Blu Star Power, LBC Batangas and Welcoat Paints at fifth spot. Montana Pawnshop currently occupies No. 4 with a 3-4 slate. <