Johnson career highs fuel Realtors run

MANILA, Philippines - Anthony Johnson continued to make an impact in the pro league, posting career highs of 43 points and 21 rebounds in a fierce duel with Scooter McFadgon as Sta. Lucia Realty whipped Barako Bull, 100-91, for a third straight win in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Kelly Williams and Marlou Aquino combined for 35 points and 22 rebounds to back up Johnson’s sterling performance that kept the Realtors’ streak going since losing to the Burger King Titans in the opener in Dumaguete last Feb. 28.

McFadgon also had an explosive game with 38 points but accounted for seven of Barako Bull’s 11 turnovers as the Energy Boosters reeled to their third loss against a lone victory.

“The team was complacent at the start and we fell behind by eight. But we made the needed adjustment in the second half, enabling us to break their zone defense, get the rebounds and score on fastbreak,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

“AJ had another sterling game and we’re really happy he’s playing for us. We’re also happy for Marlou, he’s back in shape and playing like a 25-year-old guy,” Fernandez added.

Johnson, a former Coca-Cola import who reinforced Sta. Lucia in the Brunei Cup in 2007, churned out a fourth straight double-double performance and took charge again in the fourth quarter that fuelled the Realtors’ breakaway run.

The Louisiana-Lafayette U product went 20-of-31 from the field on his way to improving his previous PBA best of 39 points and went on to better his previous best 20 rebounds.

Aquino dished out another solid game while starting at center spot although Dennis Espino continued to grope for form.

The 6-foot-9 Aquino made 14 points on 7-of-13 shooting and added nine rebounds, two shot blocks and one assist in 30 minutes of play.

Williams produced his own double-double with 21 points and 13 rebounds.

But Johnson easily stood out as he delivered the baskets that hurt the Energy Boosters the most.

The Realtors were holding only a six-point lead at 76-70 when Johnson rattled in three straight baskets to spark their breakaway.

Earlier, McFadgon, Reed Juntilla and John Arigo starred for the Energy Boosters as they outscored the Realtors, 28-20, in the second quarter to take a 52-44 lead at halftime.