Realtors move in for kill
If Purefoods Tender Juicy doesn’t make the right move, this could go down in history as the day Sta. Lucia Realty finally nailed the most coveted PBA championship after over a decade.
With the odds now stacked on their side leading three-games-to-two, the Realtors go for the kill against the embattled Giants tonight at the Araneta Coliseum.
The elegant Emilio Bernardino Jr. Trophy will already be on display on the sidelines as the two teams play in Game Six of their Smart Philippine Cup best-of-seven championship showdown at 7 p.m.
Having given a mouthful in questioning commissioner Sonny Barrios’ decision to suspend James Yap in Game Five, Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio said he’s now concentrating on his immediate job of salvaging the series.
But the Realtors seem more focused, what with skipper Dennis Espino and his teammates no longer answering calls on the eve of the match.
They have two cracks at winning the crown but coach Boyet Fernandez said they’ll do their best to finish it in Game Six.
The Realtors took a rest Monday before spending their practice yesterday just doing the shootaround and walking through their plays, hoping to pour it all out when they take to the court today.
Fernandez prepared his team for a big comeback by Purefoods star James Yap from a one-game suspension.
“With or without James Yap, Purefoods is a strong team. Good thing we’ll also be back with a complete lineup on the return of Joseph Yeo (also from a game suspension),” said Fernandez.
“For sure, James will come back strong. James and their other major star Kerby Raymundo will be the focus of our defense. We’ll stick on our No. 1 weapon which is defense,” Fernandez added.
The Giants have to find ways to overcome the Realtors tonight or their bid for a record-tying fifth All-Filipino championship goes to waste.
If ever, Sta. Lucia will be the 13th team to win an All-Filipino crown.
Red Bull has won two championships but not the All-Filipino. U-Tex also won two crowns – both in a reinforced tourney. Disbanding without winning a championship were Manila Beer, Seven-Up, Filmanbank, Carrier, Manhattan/Sunkist/Winston/Countryfair, Tefilin and Galleon/CDCP.
The Realtors are actually looking for their second championship after ruling the 2001 Governors Cup. Only Espino, Marlou Aquino and Paolo Mendoza are the remnants of that champion squad.
If Purefoods wins Game Six, the deciding Game Seven will be played Sunday in the same venue. The Big Dome is booked for another event Friday.
However, the Realtors aren’t looking beyond Game Six. Confident of playing a Game Seven are Gregorio and his troops.
“We need two straight wins. I think it’s doable,” said Gregorio.
“We’ve been in a deeper hole of 1-3,” said Gregorio.
Source:philstar.com
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