Yap, Llamados overcome pain to gain

MANILA, Philippines - James Yap took an anti-inflammatory medicine before the game to mask the pain from a bruised knee and helped B-MEG Derby Ace get back at Coca-Cola, 104-91, in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference elimination round at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Showing the heart of a warrior, Yap made his presence felt despite the injury as he teamed up with import Cliff Brown to turn the tide in the third quarter en route to the team’s come-from-behind win.

Avenging their 76-79 loss to the Tigers in their previous tiff, the Llamados regained a share of third with the Barangay Ginebra Kings on a 7-4 win-loss card.

The Tigers squandered early double-digit spreads on a final-half meltdown, reeling to their seventh straight loss and their eighth in 12 games overall.

Coca-Cola went on a slump since its three-point decision over Derby Ace last April 14.

“I’m so happy we flexed enough muscle despite injuries hounding us again. It’s nice to win again specially after the deflating loss to Talk n Text the last time,” said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio.

“I’m happy James played despite an injured knee. He lifted us in some parts,” Gregorio added. “Some players will not play facing the same problem, but not James.”

“I’d promised that I would play if I can. At least, I was able to help,” said Yap, making an impact on his perfect 3-of-3 shooting in the third period.

Brown, Roger Yap and Marc Pingris contributed to the total effort as the Llamados pummeled the Tigers, 38-26, in the third canto, seizing control after playing catch-up basketball most of the first half.

Brown, the two Yaps, Pingris, Peter June Simon and Niño Canaleta all finished in double figures as Derby Ace got away with its most productive game in the tourney.

Brown and Pingris both churned out double-double numbers, combining for 30 points and 23 rebounds.

Canaleta, starting at two-guard spot in place of Yap, piled up 12 points, three blocks, two assists and two steals, while the two Yaps and Simon all made at least 14 points coming off the bench.