Realtors rally to slip past Purefoods, 73-71

12 Dec 2008

Joseph Yeo came off the bench to score 21 points and grabed 6 rebounds and reigning MVP Kelly Williams had 17 points and 14 rebounds, leading the defending champion Sta. Lucia Realtors to a come from behind 73-71 win in the 2008-2009 KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Paig City.

The Realtors used a late 15-2 run to finally take control, reversing an 8-point deficit, 57-65, into a five-point lead, 72-67 with only a minute left.

James Yap missed a short stab, Enrico Villanueva missed two freethrows and Kerby Raymundo missed a shot in the finals seconds as the Realtors preserved the win.

The Realtors improved its record to an even 8-8, moving within half a game of the fifth spot while the Giants slid to 7-9, their chances of making it to the quarterfinals outright dimming.

James Yap led the Giants with 20 points. Kerby Raymundo added 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists but committed a game-high 9 turnovers. Villanueva chipped in 12 points and 12 boards.

Scores:

Sta. Lucia 73 - Yeo 21, Williams 17, Miranda 9, Omolon 9, Espino 8, Gregorio 4, Coronel 3, Aquino 2, Jaime 0, Daa 0, Mendoza 0.

Purefoods 71 - Yap J. 20, Raymndo 17, Villanueva 12, Yap R. 6, Aban 5, Alvarez 5, Robinson 4, Belga 2, Lanete 0, Salvador 0.

Quarters: 11-20; 31-40; 48-57; 73-71.