MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia scored a fitting payback win over Kama Motors to improve its chances in the PCBL Founders Cup even as Caida Tiles went trouble free in coasting to its fifth straight win after manhandling Foton in the other game at the Filoil Flying V Arena.
The Realtors nipped Kama Motors, 85-83, to avenge their overtime loss against this same team in the opening day of the tournament supported by Spalding, Ambucore, Accel and Aquabest.
Earlier, Caida Tiles subdued Foton, 93-83, to remain perfect after five games. The Tile Masters continued to dominate the tournament, but the biggest test, according to head coach Mike Buendia, will come in the next few games.
“We play Kama, Euro-Med, Cagayan and one more Sta. Lucia. Medyo malalakas itong teams na ito, yung Euro-Med and Sta. Lucia in particular, then Cagayan is up and coming,” added Buendia.
The top four in the tournament will carry a twice-to-beat advantage to the next round.
Mark Montilla erupted for 24 points and played the hero’s role for his team, coming away with a layup with a second left to lift the Realtors to their third win in five games.
Montilla’s basket came on the heels of Jessie Saitanam’s triple in the last six seconds that knotted the score for the last time at 83-all.
Determined to settle the score against this team that dealt them a painful defeat, the Realtors set up Montilla, who broke free from his man for the game-winning layup.