Kings lord it over Realtors sans big stars

DAVAO — The Barangay Ginebra Kings, getting tremendous help from their shock-troopers in the absence of their injured stars, drubbed the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 101-84, in their road game in the Gran Matador Brandy PBA Philippine Cup at the Holy Cross-Davao Gym here last night.

Jayjay Helterbrand and Mark Caguioa, the team’s prolific backcourt tandem, erupted for 55 points together although the solid support job of Ginebra’s backups spelled the big difference as the Kings snapped their three-game skid.

Sophomore Ervin Sotto, rookie Mark Macapagal and new Ginebra players Manny Ramos and Allan Salangsang came through with crucial plays in the second half, helping the Kings notch their fifth win against six losses.

The Kings thus got back on track even as Eric Menk joined Romel Adducul, Rodney Santos and Andy Seigle were on the injured list.

With fellow regular starters Menk, Adducul and Santos in the sidelines, Helterbrand and Caguioa stepped up their games, scoring 28 and 27 points, respectively.

Helterbrand fired a triple to cap a 9-1 run as the Kings pulled away for good at 95-84 and subsequently handed the Realtors their ninth defeat in 12 outings.

It was a sorry loss for the Realtors especially for Nelbert Omolon whose career-high 28 points went for naught.

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola seeks to check its three-game slide to keep its spot at third as the Tigers battle the Alaska Aces at the resumption of action at the Araneta Coliseum today.

Red Bull clashes with Talk n Text in the other game, determined to step up its chase of the leaders while coming off three straight victories.

The Bulls could seize third place behind the San Miguel Beermen and the Purefoods Chunkee Giants if they beat the Pals and the Tigers bow to the Aces.