Welcoat seals title duel vs Montaña

It’s Montaña Pawnshop vs Welcoat Paints II.

Finally drawing huge numbers from Jay Washington, Welcoat ended Magnolia Ice Cream’s title reign with a 70-67 victory yesterday to arrange a keenly-awaited showdown with Montaña Pawnshop for the 2005 PBL Unity Cup crown at the Pasig Sports Center.

Outplayed and outhustled by fellow Fil-Am Kelly Williams in a 72-80 loss Saturday that forced the sudden death, Washington came back with vengeance – 20 points and 13 rebounds – as he powered the Paint Masters past the Wizards and into the best-of-five finals against the Jewels.

Game One is set tomorrow at the Astrodome.

It was the Wellbest-owned franchise’s fourth straight finals stint and second in a row against Montaña, which trounced Granny Goose Kornets in three games.

Fancied to be the top pick in this year’s PBA rookie draft, Washington scattered six of his 20 points in a pivotal fourth quarter run as the Paintmasters stopped the Wizards to reach the finals for the 11th time.

Washington also shone in the defensive side as he slowed down Williams, who was held to just 10 points on a woeful two-of-25 shooting from the field.

"Before the game, I told Jay that Williams was getting his points from the post so I challenged him to play defense and show everybody that he’s the best player in the league, and I’m happy he responded," said Welcoat coach Caloy Garcia.

Veteran guard Eugene Tan also stepped up big with 12 points, his best after a long while, seven boards, five assists and three steals. And so was the prolific tandem of Leo Najorda and Erwin Sta. Maria.

Najorda, the 2003 NCAA MVP, scored all his 13 points in the second half, including six in the final period, the most crucial coming on a tip-in off Jay-R Reyes’ muffed lay-up with 39. 3 seconds to go that secured the win for Welcoat.

Sta. Maria, who played college ball for Mapua, chipped in 12 points, the bulk of which he unloaded in the third quarter when Washington, one of the leading MVP candidates this conference, and Tan were held scoreless.

After combining for 24 points in the second half to give their team a 13-point lead, Washington and Tan suddenly went cold as Magnolia unleashed a spirited comeback that saw it knot the count at 57-all. Najorda then broke the deadlock by scoring five points in row to close the third period with Welcoat up again, 56-51.

A 6-0 blitz at the start of the final canto shoved Magnolia on top, 57-56, but Najorda and Washington took charge for Welcoat down the stretch.