Realtors upstage 800s: Aquino, other recruits deliver

Sta. Lucia Realty played like a newly minted team with speed and versality behind the efforts of its five new recruits led by Marlou Aquino, as it opened its campaign in the Alaxan-PBA All-Filipino Cup with a 83-73 rout of Pop Cola last night at the Philsports Arena.

The Realtors easily outclassed the 800s for a rousing debut in the tournament where they ended up deadlast last year, with new coach Norman Black emerging victorious in his first meeting with his former team.

The 800s, despite the entry of new mentor Chot Reyes and new players Jojo Lastimosa, Rhoel Gomez and Wynne Arboleda, hardly showed improvement in their own game, staying winless for over seven months now.

Under Black, the 800s dropped eight games in a row in the season-ending Governors Cup last year. The team's last win was a 54-52 decision over Shell Velocity last July 18 during the Commissioner's Cup.

The Realtors proved too tough handle for the 800s though Black decided not to field in team captain Dennis Espino who was nursing a sprained right ankle.

Imposing their will early on their rivals, the Realtors opened a 20-10 lead after the first period, took the half at 42-27 and held a double-digit spread throughout the final two quarters of play.

Aquino dished out a solid all-around game, tallying 17 points, four rebounds and two blocks to lead the Sta. Lucia attack that also saw Mike Orquillas, Nonoy Falcasantos, Ronnie Magsanoc and Rob Wainwright all hitting in double figures.

"Hindi ko masabi kung malakas ang team namin basta ang tingin ko maganda ang inilaro namin ngayon kaya naging maganda ang simula namin sa season. Iyun sa performance ko, ginawa ko lang ang pangako ko na kung ano ang magiging decision ng PBA sa kaso ko io-honor ko," said Aquino.

"I really believe we have become a good defensive team. We worked very hard practically all night and so we got a good start in the tournament," said Black.

"Marlou (Aquino) gave us a big lift and the whole starting unit played well, but I think the real key was our bench delivering when they subbed our starters. They kept our game going. It showed that we have some depth. We've got no other big names outside of Marlou but our new recruits helped us great deal tonight," he added. -