Realtors off to hot start, defang Tigers

MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia Realty, boosted by the return of Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes, made an impressive start in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup, blasting Coca-Cola, 95-76, at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

New recruits Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana and Joshua Urbiztondo also put in significant numbers as the Realtors bucked the loss of former main man Den-nis Espino.

In a duel of teams with newly overhauled lineups, Sta. Lucia dominated the Tigers in the last three quarters.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Fuel PBA on tour hits the road today with Alaska Milk and San Miguel Beer clashing at 5 p.m. today at the Panabo Multi-Purpose Tourism, Cultural and Sports Center in Panabo City, Davao del Norte.

The Aces seek a second straight win after a winning debut against the Barako Bull Energy Boosters Wednesday. The Beermen are out to bounce back from a loss to the Barangay Ginebra Kings on the same day.

“I was wary how we will perform in this game. We didn’t have a single practice game with a complete lineup. I’m happy we came out winners,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

Reyes, missing the closing stage of the recent Fiesta Conference with a hamstring pull, returned with a flourish, finishing with a game-high 21 points that went on top of five assists, five steals and three rebounds in a solid 32-minute outing.

Espinas, an off-season recruit by SLR from Barako Bull, marked his first game in a Realtor jersey with double-double numbers with 14 points and 11 re-bounds.

Joseph Yeo also had a double-double game with 14 points and 10 rebounds while Williams added 14 points and nine rebounds and Dennis Daa contributed 13 points.

The rest of the Realtors had their shares as Sta. Lucia somehow proved they can make a good run in this tournament which it topped two years ago.

“I believe we’re one of the tough teams in the tourney. I would say we’re in the top five. Talent-wise, I think we can match up with any team,” said Fernandez.

The Tigers, on the other hand, groped for form all night, having a tough time finding their rhythm with a beefed-up lineup.

Alex Cabagnot put in 18 points to pace the Tigers who drew 11 points and 11 rebounds from Asi Taulava, eight points and eight rebounds from Espino and eight points, four rebounds and three assists from Larry Rodriguez.

It was Espino’s very first game outside the Sta. Lucia team in 15 PBA seasons.