Sta. Lucia Realtors

THE reigning champion Sta. Lucia Realtors have felt the absence of rookie of the year Ryan Reyes — the team’s heart and soul — for the second time.

Sta. Lucia did some trick to dissolve a 19-point deficit in the second half before coming up short against the Alaska Aces, 89-95, on Friday night for their third straight loss in the PBA-KFC Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Reyes, an aggressive playmaker who can rebound, plays defense and can create timely situations for his teammates, is nursing a minor injury but set to return soon.

The defending champion was down in the first two quarters (21-24 and 34-45), but made a comeback and even stole the lead in the fourth quarter, when Joseph Yeo nailed a go-ahead triple for an 89-87 lead reaching the last two-minute mark.

But the Aces made sure it would be their counterpart’s last basket.

Guard Willie Miller, the league’s two-time MVP, who scored 16 points to go along with nine rebounds and seven assists, struck the dagger to Sta. Lucia’s heart when he hit a pivotal go-ahead triple for a 92-89 advantage with 45 seconds to go.

The Realtors, who dropped to 3-4 log, just could not find their shot the rest of the remaining time.

“We fell short,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez. “Hope we learned a lesson here in this game. I’m hoping in our next game, we should work well from the beginning and sustain it.”

The Aces, with the win, have hiked their record to 6-2 and shared the top spot with the San Miguel Beermen who likewise have the same win-loss card.

Fearless Joseph Yeo scattered 21 points on 3-of-5 shooting beyond the arc with six boards, while Nelbert Omolon piled up 17 points and Dennis Espino made 15 points.

Kelly Williams, the league’s reigning MVP, got 13 points and 13 boards.

Rookie Chito Jaime, who was activated due to Reyes’ absence, had six points for his pro debut. “Chito did a good job comming from the bench,” said Fernandez.

Individual Scores:

Alaska 95 - Tenorio 17, Devance 16, Miller 16, Fonacier 12, Dela Cruz 11, Thoss 7, Sotto 5, Ferriols 4, Cariaso 4, Hugnatan 3.

Quarter Scores: 24-21, 45-34, 74-60, 95-89.