Welcoat overpowers Ana anew

Beating Ana Water Dispenser quick and easy in Game One, Welcoat Paint did the same trick again last night, imposing its will early on its embattled rival to win Game Two.

Welcoat simply outclassed a hurting Ana ballclub once again and moved in the threshold of the second Yakult PBL Challenge crown with an emphatic 83-71 win last night at the Makati Coliseum.

The Paintmasters put up an efficient defense, controlled the boards and worked on a fluid motion offense as they demolished the Water Dispensers for the second time to gain a commanding two-game-to-none lead in their best-of-five title playoff.

Also the winner of the first Yakult PBL Challenge, Welcoat completes a double-championship in the season with another win in Game Three or the next two games if necessary.

Scenes of big men Yancy de Ocampo and Ryan Pamintuan taking attempts from way out late in the fourth quarter only proved how the Paintmasters broke the Water Dispensers' back early in the game.

The Paintmasters led from start to finish, keeping control throughout the contest with the Water Dispensers unable to put up a good fight minus scoring ace Paolo Mendoza.

The No. 1 overall pick in the recent PBA Amateur Draft and a leading MVP contender, Mendoza decided to sit out the game because of a badly sprained ankle. He played sparringly in Game One but couldn't help his team either.

"We played better today and this is the championship level of play I want from my players," said Welcoat coach Junel Baculi.

Earlier, big man Enrico Villanueva played big as Blu Detergents repulsed Batang Red Bull to force a deciding third game in their playoff for third place.