MANILA, 2 February 2008 — Sta. Lucia versus Alaska is fast having all the trimmings of a classic series.
Even the coaches have gotten involved in a personal way.
The Realtors played steadier in the clutch last night and took a 2-1 lead in their Philippine Cup pairing after a 91-82 victory over the Aces, whose coach guaranteed that the rest of this series will be tough.
Boyet Fernandez of Sta. Lucia and Tim Cone of Alaska have not seen each other eye-to-eye for the last two games, an action which Cone said stemmed from a late game dunk that Kelly Williams scored in Game 2 and the outcome already decided.
“We took offense to Kelly (Williams) slamming the ball in the last game,” Cone explained. “We thought it was lack of class. Earlier in the year, they did the same thing to Welcoat. It’s disrespectful, you just don’t do it.
“It’s (rest of the series) going to get tough. I guarantee you.” Williams was again at his terrorizing best, only this time, the things he did to hurt Alaska were truly called for.
The acrobatic, high-leaping sophomore scored all but six of his 27 points in the second half, presiding upon a furious Sta. Lucia finish as the Realtors clawed to within two more victories of playing in the Finals for the first time in six years.
Dennis Espino also chipped in his share, hitting seven of his 18 points in the fourth, four of them clutch inside the final minute as the Realtors won for the second straight night in the series and now have complete psychological advantage.
In fact, the Realtors have gotten into the nerves of the Aces and Cone.
“I still respect him (Cone),” said Fernandez, who justified Williams’ dunk as one that the Fil-American had to do for their loyal fans who wanted some sort of showtime.
“We will not make any pronouncements for the rest of the series,” the young coach added. “We will just go by the old adage of taking it one game at a time. We don’t want to get over-excited.” Willie Miller, the reigning MVP, was again a crucial fourth quarter absentee for Alaska after being held to just three points this time. He still went on to lead all Alaska shooters with 28. John Ferriols was also brilliant for the Aces, scoring 17 points and grabbing 15 rebounds coming off the bench. And while Mike Cortez scored 10, Jeffrey Cariaso was a missing link after finishing with just five points.
Purefoods also moved up 2-1 opposite Red Bull after a 99-90 decision of the Barako in the second game.
James Yap scored 29 points and Kerby Raymundo 27 as the duo again spearheaded a solid offensive game by the Tender Juicy Giants, who had complete control of this one. “Playing Red Bull is always tough. You just don’t know what to expect,” Purefoods’ Ryan Gregorio said. “You can’t celebrate a victory for so long because coach Yeng (Guiao) will make adjustments the following game.” Marc Pingris was also big for the Giants, scoring 13 points and grabbing 19 rebounds.
Junthy Valenzuela led the Barako with 26, 14 of them coming in the fourth period when Red Bull doggedly tried to come back. But foul trouble to key men early told on them, as it became clear that they ran out of firepower when it mattered.
Purefoods also outrebounded Red Bull horribly, 55-37, which took away the running game of the Barako, who were held to just five transition points for the night.
