Sta. Lucia spills Alaska

Sta. Lucia drew the spark from Fil-Am Kelly Williams and the Realtors regained their winning ways by tripping Alaska Milk, 101-98, yesterday and wresting the solo lead in the Talk n Text PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Well-rested and re-energized after a lethargic eight-point effort in a 73-92 loss to Red Bull Wednesday, Williams exploded for 24 points this time, highlighting his exploits with a 12-point splurge in the third quarter that gave the Realtors enough cushion to post their seventh victory against two losses.

While Sta. Lucia stormed back to the top, Alaska reeled to the bottom of the 10-team field with its seventh loss in nine outings.

Williams, this year’s top overall rookie pick, also had 12 rebounds, four steals and three assists that more than made up for his sub-par game the last time out.

In the nightcap witnessed by 14,969 paying fans, crowd darling Barangay Ginebra leaned on the endgame heroics of Mark Caguioa and Ronald Tubid as it downed San Miguel, 92-87, to seize solo third place with a 6-3 (win-loss) slate and exacted revenge on its 97-101 overtime loss on Oct. 22 at the Astrodome.

It was the Beermen’s fourth loss against five triumphs.

"I guess he’s feeling the pressure because we won one game without him," said Sta. Lucia coach Alfrancis Chua referring to his prolific forward who arrived Tuesday night from a United States trip.

"I’m glad Kelly’s not dizzy anymore and I’m happy we’re back on track," Chua added.

Norman Gonzales came off the bench to fire 17 points in the first half as the Realtors kept their heads above water in the face of the Aces stubborn stand.

Gonzales went five-of-six from the field, including two triples, and five-of-six from the foul line in the first half when Sta. Lucia held on to a precarious 44-40 lead at the break.

Then Williams took over.

Held to just three points in the first half, Williams cut loose in the pivotal third as the Realtors took a double-digit spread, 76-65, and never looked back.

Williams sustained that firepower in the fourth as Sta. Lucia roared to leads of as many as 13 points then thwarted off the Aces’ fightback down the stretch.