by Josef Ramos
STA. LUCIA welcomed the 35th PBA season with a win.
Playing against Dennis Espino for the first time after 14 years did not become a problem for the Sta. Lucia Realtors after routing the Coca-Cola Tigers, 95-76, on Friday in the Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
2008 rookie of the year Ryan Reyes top scored with a game-high 21 points to go along with five assists and five steals in 32 minutes of action, while Joseph Yeo had 14 points and 10 assists.
“I’m the coach of the team and I do believe we’re one of the toughest teams in the tourney. I can’t say where we rank but I really believe we’re in the top five,” said Fernandez.
“Talent-wise, I believe we can match up with any team. We remain a tough defensive team on the exit of Dennis Espino and Denok Miranda. We lost some on ceiling and defensive capability. But the new guys that came in also have defensive mentality,” he said.
Reyes and Kelly Williams returned on high note even as and new recruits Gabby Espinas, Chris Pacana and undrafted rookie Joshua Urbiztondo had contributed well in their first game.
The Realtors edged the Tigers, 24-22, in the first quarter before stepping up their game, outscoring Coke 54-34 in the two middle quarters and dominating the contest with a lead as big as 25.
“I was wary how we will perform before the game because we didn’t have a single practice with a complete lineup. I’m happy we came out the winners,” said Fernandez.
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 rebounds.
Williams added 14 points and nine rebounds and Dennis Daa contributed 13 points.
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 former SLR team captain 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.
The scores:
Sta. Lucia 95 — Reyes 21, Espinas 14, Yeo 14, Williams 14, Daa 13, Omolon 5, Aquino 4, Larong 3, Pacana 3, Urbiztondo 2, Misolas 2, Jaime 0.
Coca-Cola 76 — Cabagnot 18, Taulava 11, Espino 8, Rodriguez 8, Ross 6, Rizada 5, Gonzales 5, Bono 4, Catli 4, Calimag 4, Gonzales 3, Cruz 0.
Quarter Scores: 24-22, 50-41, 78-56, 95-76
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