MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia toughened up on defense to neutralize Burger King’s vaunted quick transition play as it fashioned out a 93-84 victory last night to close in on a semifinal berth in the Motolite PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
Import Anthony Johnson continued to dish out fine form while the rest backed him up with a resolute defense to stymie the Whoppers’ play patterns and gain the upperhand in their best-of-three quarterfinal duel.
“We didn’t really prepare that well except that I told the guys to sprint back in defense because we know Burger King is the No. 1 fastbreak team in the league and they’re really quick in transition,” said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.
Johnson, who sizzled with a 42-point, 24-rebound performance in a 94-88 win over Coca-Cola in the wildcard phase, fired 13 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter to help foil the Whoppers’ rally down the stretch.
Although he only made half of his previous output, Johnson matched his conference-high 24-rebound production Friday while coming up with his fifth five-shotblock effort this conference.
“We’re just lucky to have AJ (Johnson). He just kept on fighting and I appreciate his effort,” said Fernandez of Johnson, who bucked a groin injury he sustained in the first half.
In the nightcap, Rain or Shine likewise took the opener in its own series as it smashed a tired and weary Purefoods, 96-87.
Jai Lewis had 26 points, 17 boards and four assists while Rob Wainright scattered 16 points including four from behind the arc to seal the Elasto Painters’ first playoff win since joining the league three years back.
Marquin Chandler came out of the rut with 34 points but Kerby Raymundo and James Yap went zero-of-13 together.