Kings KO importless Realtors

All-Filipino ruler Sta. Lucia Realty sacrificed a crack at a season sweep for principle, sacking wayward import Lee Benson in a crucial game the team couldn’t afford to lose.

Sta. Lucia eventually lost the game,  85-113, and Barangay Ginebra booked a seat in the Smart PBA Fiesta Conference Final Four at the Ynares Center last night.

The Kings pounced on the importless Realtors side, pulling off a rout to gain the right to challenge Red Bull in a best-of-seven semifinals showdown starting Sunday at the Astrodome.

“Getting into the quarters despite a 0-5 start was a relief. Sta. Lucia opting not to play its import tonight obviously was another relief for us,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

The Realtors hit the end of the road with their worst loss in the season but left the playing venue with their heads unbowed.

“Benson woke up on the wrong side of the bed again. It’s alright if a player wants something. But if he keeps on trying to coerce or threaten not to play because he wants something, we should put a stop to this,” said Sta. Lucia top official Buddy Encarnado.

“We didn’t allow ourselves to be held hostage by this player. We did what we must, keeping the dignity of the team,” Encarnado added.

The Sta. Lucia management decided to sack Benson Tuesday night then forwarded  to the Commissioner’s Office the player’s passport, plane ticket and complete payment yesterday morning.

Swept in the best-of-three series, the Realtors settled for sixth place in the season-ending tourney.

The Kings made it to the semis versus the Bulls by stretching their amazing streak to eight games.

Jayjay Helterbrand, Chris Alexander, Mark Caguioa, Junthy Valenzuela and Paul Artadi scored at least 12 points each as the Kings outscored the Realtors in all quarters, waxing hottest in the closing period.

The Kings hit at a season-best 61-percent shooting and finished with their highest output in the conference thus far.

Artadi recorded personal season highs of 11 assists and six steals that went with a conference high 12 points.

Kelly Williams, the leading MVP contender, led the Realtors with 23 points and 11 rebounds.