Sta. Lucia Realtors

IT HAS BEEN too long since we’ve seen Marlou Aquino play with superiority in the paint.

Aquino, a 6-foot-9 behemoth from Adamson U, created tallied big numbers in scoring, rebounding and block categories after seven games for the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the ongoing PBA-Motolite Fiesta Conference.

Unlike in the previous years, Aquino improved his recent numbers early this conference when he averaged 12.5 points along with 5.4 rebounds and 3.6 blocks that sent the Realtors to 5-2 win-loss log.

But the 1996 top overall pick has no other things on mind, when asked by a courtside what made him inspired after playing impressively in seven games. “I’m just playing great because Dennis (Espino) is not yet fully recovered from injury.”

The 36-year-old 13 veteran, who was chosen as player of the week for March 9 to 15, turned out to be Sta. Lucia’s core of its defense when he swatted six Rain or Shine’s attempts, including three against import Jai Lewis.

He had also 10 points and five boards as the Realtors defeated the Elasto Paintmasters, 109-100, before the Holy Week break. “I am not surprised with Marlou’s game,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

“We had a talk at the end of the first conference and when I saw him working hard to get back into shape when we started our practices I knew he will be playing like what he’s showing now.”

Aquino has also been free of the injuries that have plagued him the last few years, but Fernandez maintains it’s all about Aquino’s mindset that was firmly focused in the face of a nagging injury to Dennis Espino that kept the latter out of their first two games.

In an 80-76 squeaker over defending champion Barangay Ginebra last Wednesday, Aquino scored 13 points, swatted away five shots and grabbed three rebounds in 29 minutes.

He followed those up with 14 points, nine rebounds, two blocked shots and an assist in 30 minutes and helped Sta. Lucia overcome Barako Bull, 100-91, last Friday.

Those wins ran up the Realtors’ streak to three straight and jacked their win-loss record to 3-1, second only to unbeaten San Miguel Beer.

Fernandez firmly believes if Aquino doesn’t waver from his current dedication, he will continue to surprise many–and not only for the remainder of the season.

“I do know Marlou as a person and a player and I do believe in my heart and mind if he just continues to be in shape, he will be around the PBA in the years to come,” he said.