PBA: Realtors unfazed by Beermen's surge, seek third straight win

Defending champion San Miguel is on a roll right now and is undoubtedly the hottest team in the PBA Fiesta Cup elimination. Yet, being on top with an amazing 7-1 card could not sow fear into the hearts of Sta. Lucia, the latest team that will try to put a stop into the Beermen juggernaut. The Beermen and Realtors clash Friday at the Araneta Coliseum in a game Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez believes they can win behind his team’s patent trademark: defense. “San Miguel is the hottest team right now," said Fernandez, noting that the reigning Fiesta Cup champions have won their last six games, including an 80-72 thrashing of Derby Ace last Sunday in a match where the Beermen rallied from an 18-point, third quarter deficit. “It’s a team with a solid rotation in every position. But if we just bring our defensive mentality in the game, we can match them and will have a chance to get our third straight win." Sta. Lucia (3-4) is on a winning streak itself, posting back-to-back victories for the first time this conference opposite Air21 (106-98) and Coca-Cola (108-94). Against the Tigers, veteran big man Marlou Aquino, the third oldest active player in the league, turned back the hands of time and scored 20 points – his highest output in two years – in leading the Realtors to the win. San Miguel mentor Siot Tanquingcen acknowledges the toughness of the Realtors defensively, the same way the Derby Ace Llamados played in their last outing. “We have to execute against a good defensive team and likewise battle hard on the boards because they (Realtors) rebound well," said Tanquingcen. The soft-spoken San Miguel coach also downplays the current surge of his team on top, stressing the import-laden tournament has even yet to reach its halfway mark. “It’s only the eliminations. It’s still a long way to go," he said. Coca-Cola, the only team so far which owns the bragging rights of having beaten San Miguel, also sees action in the weekend doubleheader, taking on Alaska in the first game set at 5 p.m. Sporting an even 4-4 card, the Tigers are currently on a three-game slide after winning four of their first five games. Coach Bo Perasol knows exactly that a win over the Aces (3-3) would be the perfect way for his team to get back its act together. “Everybody in our team understands the sense of urgency of getting out acts together again," said Perasol. “Alaska is tough as everyone knows it, but we must find a way to win against them." The Tigers, who at one point in the tournament held the solo lead, last won over the Llamados, 79-76 on April 14 in a game where Coca-Cola went without import James Penny in the last five minutes after the all-around reinforcement suffered a deep cut that needed immediate surgical procedure. Perhaps, the Tigers could learn a thing or two from Barako Energy Coffee, which, just a few days ago, administered the biggest upset in this Fiesta Cup following a 106-98 win over Alaska. - RCJ, GMANews.TV