Sta. Lucia outguns Jumbo Plastic in PCBL

MANILA, Philippines – Still licking the wounds of its bitter setback at the hands of Foton, Sta. Lucia Realty bounced back strong with an inspiring performance Sunday, ripping inaugural staging champion Jumbo Plastic, 87-75, in the PCBL Chairman’s Cup at the Malolos Sports and Convention Center.

The Realtors banked on their solid local lineup led by Kent Salado, who came away with monster numbers of 22 points, 10 assists, seven rebounds and four steals in an all-around performance that capped the team’s bounce-back win.

Sta. Lucia thus improved to 2-1 and solo second behind undefeated Mighty Sports in this tournament supported by Spalding, Ambucore, Hahn Manila, LGR and Gerry’s Grill.

Realtors coach Bonnie Garcia said that the loss to Foton served as a wake-up call for the squad to step up. The team didn’t rely much on import Landry Sanjo, who played only 17 minutes and scored only two points.

“Masyado kaming kumpiyansa sa Foton, and as a coach, it’s my fault,” said Garcia. “About our import, we’re still having difficulty adjusting with him, kaya most of the time hindi ko na ginamit.”

In their previous loss, Garcia admitted they were having a difficult time shooting at the Marikina Sports Center, but they were able to find their mark in Malolos as the Realtors shot 40-percent from beyond the arc with Jett Vidal hitting four of five treys and ex-pro JR Cawaling making three of seven attempts.

With the Realtors not getting a productive game from Sanjo, big man Wowie Escosio stepped up and finished with 17 points and seven rebounds while keeping Jumbo Plastic import Alwell Oraeme out of his comfort zone.

The former Mapua Cardinals reinforcement was held to just nine points.

It was a game dominated by the Realtors right from the early goings. They unloaded a 13-2 run in the second period capped by Salado’s basket to post their first sizeable lead, 36-25, midway the second period then padded their advantage to as high as 20, on a Nico Bangga’s jumper, 63-43, 5:18 left in the third to take the fight out of the Linoleum Giants, who absorbed their second loss in three matches.

Earlier, Mighty Sports dumped Euro-Med, 81-63.

The scores:

First Game

MIGHTY SPORTS (81) – Akhuetie 22, Banal 18, Ravena 17, Wongchuking 6, Oktubre 4, Montilla 2, Regalado 2, Celada 2, Lopez 2, A. Bringas 2, Villafranca 2, M. Bringas 2, Mangahas 0, Melocoton 0, Gonzaga 0.

EURO-MED (63) – Tajonera 11, Almario 10, Gil 9, Sollano 9, Adeogun 6, Custodio 5, Salcedo 4, Galanza 4, Quinto 3, Saitanan 2, Luib 0, Raymundo 0, Capacio 0.

Quarterscores: 19-13, 38-27, 63-43, 81-63.

Second Game

SANTA LUCIA (87) – Salado 22, Escosio 17, Vidal 12, Cawaling 11, Bangga 10, Romero 5, Ilagan 4, Sanjo 2, Bautista 2, Koga 2, Castanarez 0.

JUMBO PLASTIC (75) – Martinez 23, Viernes 14, Oraeme 9, Lopez 7, Arellano 7, Siruma 5, Taganas 3, Mandani 2, Padilla 2, Santos 2, Eguilos 1, Ibay 0.

Quarterscores: 21-20, 47-33, 71-57, 87-75.