Duremdes’ big show gives SLR towering win

Feeling his sterling showing was overlooked in last Sunday’s All-Star Game, Kenneth Duremdes dished out another All-Star performance last night, leading Sta. Lucia Realty to a 106-87 whipping of FedEx in the Samsung PBA All-Filipino Cup quarterfinals at the Philsports Arena.

Duremdes went 15-of-22 from the field and finished with a new career high 42 points on top of eight rebounds in a superlative game backed by shining performances too of Marlou Aquino, Dennis Espino and Paolo Mendoza.

With Duremdes, Aquino, Espino and Mendoza teaming up for a fiery four-pronged attack for Sta. Lucia, the Realtors overpowered the Express for the crucial win that sent the team in the threshold of the semifinals.

"Sige na nga," said Duremdes when asked if he dished out a statement game for those who denied him the MVP awards in the All-Star Game five days ago.

He scored all but three of the Governors All-Stars final 14 points, including the game-winning basket at the buzzer, but curiously still lost the coveted award to teammate Vergel Meneses. The FedEx forward himself felt Duremdes deserved the award.

"He (Duremdes) proved something tonight. Vergel’s my friend but I think the least Duremdes should have gotten (in the All-Star Game) was a share of the MVP award," said Sta. Lucia coach Alfrancis Chua.

Alaska Milk cashed in on San Miguel Beer’s faltering finish as it pulled off a 91-86 win in the second game. — Nelson Beltran