Sta. Lucia Realtors

JOSEPH YEO, Norman Gonzales and the Sta. Lucia Realtors did the amazing trick Wednesday night to post their third straight victory without reigning MVP Kelly Williams and reigning rookie of the year Ryan Reyes.

Yeo and Gonzales registered a career best output each as the defending champion Sta. Lucia Realtors sustained their amazing streak when they upset the highly-favored San Miguel Beermen, 100-95, in the PBA-KFC Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The six-footer Yeo, playing with sense of urgency in all quarters, tallied a career-high 38 points on 3-of-7 shooting beyond the three-point zone, 8-of-14 in the field and made 13-of-15 attempts in the foul line in 31 minutes of action. 

“We played not thinking about the pressure,” said Yeo, who erased his previous high 29 points against a win over Talk ‘N Text during the last Fiesta Conference. “We had nothing to lose, knowing everyone was expecting San Miguel to win.”

“I just played and stepped up because everybody needed to step up,” he said.

The 6-foot-4 Gonzales, known to be a second stringer and defensive stopper, sent a strong statement to other teams, as he scored his first double-double in two years by racking a career-high 25 points and collected 10 rebounds.

“I’m just inspired playing basketball because of my wife,” said the seven-year veteran Gonzales, who was almost perfect in all his attempts – 3-of-4 in the three-point zone, 5-of-5 in the field and 6-of-6 in the free throw area.

Kelly Williams and Ryan Reyes did not play due to their injury, but they are expected to suit up on Saturday when they play against Ginebra at The Arena in San Juan City.

Williams is still nursing from an injured eye, while Reyes is recovering from back spasm.

But with the way Yeo, Gonzales and company played as real fighters and champion in the whole regulation, the Sta. Lucia Realtors coasted to third consecutive win to hike their win-loss record to 6-4 and stay in third place.

“Joseph and Norman stepped up and their energy rubbed off to their teammates,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez, who also drew 14 points from veteran Paolo Mendoza. “This win is very important for us.”

The Beermen suffered a second straight defeat but stayed at second behind the front-running Alaska Milk Aces (8-2) with a 7-4 card.

Sta. Lucia also avenged its 71-89 blowout by San Miguel Beer in its first meeting last October 30 at the Ynares Center in Pasig City.

The Realtors outhustled and outmaneuvered the Beermen in dominating the contest, enjoying as lead as many as 14 at 69-55 at the end of the third quarter.

Yeo, Gonzales and Paolo Mendoza made at least 10 points each as the Realtors took the half at 42-38.

Mendoza and Gonzales were perfect from the field in the opening quarter which also belonged to the Realtors at 29-24.

Ken Bono came out strong in the second period, making eight points and four rebounds as the Beermen edged the Realtors, 14-13.

Nelbert Omolon and rookie Kelvin Gregorio contributed eight and seven points, respectively, while veteran Marlou Aquino swatted five enemy attempts.

Individual Scores:

Quarter Scores: 29-24, 42-38, 69-55, 100-95