Johnson pinasikatan si McFadgon

MANILA, Philippines - Pinasikatan ni Anthony Johnson si Scooter McFadgon sa shooting habang hindi rin nagpahuli sina Kelly Williams at Marlou Aquino nang payukurin ng Sta. Lucia Realty ang Barako Bull, 100-91 para itala ang kanilang ikatlong sunod na panalo sa Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference sa Araneta Coliseum kagabi.

Nagtala ng PBA career-high na 43 puntos at 21 rebounds si Johnson habang nagtulong naman sina Williams at Aquino sa pinagsamang 35 puntos at 22 rebounds at panatilihin ng Realtors ang kanilang mainit na pagbangon mula sa opening game na kabiguan sa Burger King Titans sa Dumaguete noong Pebrero 28.

Naging eksplosibo din ang laro ni McFadgon na may 38 puntos ngunit humatak naman ito ng 7 sa 11 turnovers ng barako Bulls at lasapin ng energy Boosters ang kanilang ikatlong kabiguan kontra sa isang panalo.

“The team was complacent at the start and that’s the reason why we fell behind by eight. But we made the needed adjustments in the second half, enabling us to break their zone defense, get the rebounds and score on fastbreak,” wika ni Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

“AJ had another sterling game and we’re really happy he’s playing for us. We’re also happy for Marlou he’s back in shape and he’s playing like a 25-year-old guy,” dagdag ni Fernandez.

Si Johnson, dating import ng Coca-Cola na nag-reinforced sa Sta. Lucia sa Brunei Cup noong 2007, ay kumana naman ng ikaapat na double-double performance at nagpakawala ng mainit na run sa ikaapat na quarter.

Samantala matapos pagisipan mabuti ng ilang linggo, bumalik na si Kerby Raymundo ng Purefoods sa piling ng Philippine team na nakatakdang sumabak sa FIBA Asia Championship sa China sa Agosto.

Binisita ni Raymundo si PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios sa kanyang opisina noong Huwebes at personal na ipinahayag ang kanyang desisyon.

Babalik na sa ensayo ang 6’6 forward ng Letran sa Lunes.

“I’m happy he’s rejoining the team although he’s never really quit. He just got tired and asked for some time to think things over,” wika ni Barrios.

“He told me he really loves to play for the national team. He said representing the country is a big honor for him and his family,” dagdag pa ni Barrios.

“I’m glad with his decision. I had a feeling he just needed some time to resolve some issues. He is a key player in the team,” pahayag naman ni RP team coach Yeng Guiao.

Samantala, kasalukuyang naglalaban pa ang San Miguel Beer at kapatid na kumpanyang Purefoods habang sinusulat ang balitang ito.