Giants waylay Dragons

Purefoods came out of a two-game slump with a 92-80 victory over an injury-plagued Welcoat Paints yesterday as the Giants closed in on the first semifinal berth in the Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Astrodome.

James Yap and Kerby Raymundo fired 21 points apiece, including a combined 14-point output in the fourth quarter where the Giants finally disengaged from a close contest and into a runaway victory, their 10th against three losses.

“The two losses sent us back to earth, it made us realize we’re not invincible after all,” said Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio, referring to their 98-101 setback to Talk n Text Friday and an 86-108 loss to Magnolia last Nov. 30.

Purefoods needs three more wins to advance to the semis.

In the nightcap, Paolo Mendoza knocked in a jumper with 4.6 seconds left as Sta. Lucia rallied past Brgy. Ginebra, 79-78, to even its mark at 6-6.

The Kings fell to their eighth loss against five wins.