PASIG-Sta. Lucia coach Bong Dela Cruz admitted his charges fell into a stupor in the first half, only to get their acts together in time.
Leaning on a big push in the last two quarters, the Realtors ripped Iloilo United 90-69 yesterday to launch their bid in Group A in the Chooks-to-Go MPBL Invitational powered by TM at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Spitfire playmaker Ryan Costelo scattered a game-high 15 points, to go with five rebounds, two assists, and three steals, while big man Justin Arana chipped in 14 markers and nine boards for Pasig-Sta. Lucia.
Cedric Ablaza also had 13 and four, but it was reigning NCAA finals MVP Fran Yu of Letran who had a big hand in the Realtors’ breakaway.
Suiting up as a guest player allowed by the country’s oldest collegiate league, Yu poured all his 11 points that he laced with three caroms and five dimes in the second half that keyed Pasig-Sta. Lucia’s big win.
The Royals failed to score a fitting follow-up to their 88-77 triumph over Negros last Dec. 11.
In the other game also in Group A, Bacoor City blasted Caloocan 72-50 to notch its first win in the tourney.
Jerome Garcia sizzled with 26 points, while Richard Albo added 13 points and 12 rebounds for the Strikers, who atoned for their 71-73 loss to All-Star Bacolod last Dec. 11.
In the first match, Manila dismantled EMKAI-Rizal Xentro Mall 89-59 to crash the win-column in Group D.
Dan Sara led the Stars with 16 points and four rebounds, while John Rey John Rey Villanueva had 14 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals.
