SLR books last ride to semis

Sta. Lucia Realty overcame a woeful 21-percent shooting and an 11-point deficit in the first half as it made a big charge in the final half for an 88-86 decision over Alaska Milk and the last slot in the Samsung PBA Reinforced Conference Final Four at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Ray Tutt struggled for only 14 points but converted crucial free throws in the closing seconds, helping the Realtors set up a semifinal confrontation with the San Miguel Beermen.

The best-of-five semifinals start tomorrow also at the Big Dome with Coca-Cola and Talk n Text clashing in the 4 p.m. curtain-raiser and Sta. Lucia and San Miguel colliding in the 6:30 p.m. mainer.

"Ray Tutt said he’s not yet ready to go home. And Kenneth (Duremdes), Marlou (Aquino) and Dennis (Espino) also talked to me, making a commitment to help the team make the semis. And they did it," said Sta. Lucia coach Alfrancis Chua. — Nelson Beltran