MANILA, Philippines - B-MEG Derby Ace came through with its most productive game since its all-Filipino championship run as it turned back Barangay Ginebra, 95-82, to gain solo third place in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum last night.
James Yap, Cliff Brown, Niño Canaleta, Rafi Reavis and Don Allado tossed in double-digit outputs as the Llamados dished out a solid showing on both ends of the court, beating the Kings for their fifth win in eight starts.
“We really did what’s required defensively, and we made sure to see progress on our offense,” said Derby Ace coach Ryan Gregorio after their best-scoring game in the tournament thus far.
Worst in the league in offense with an average of 82.14 before the game, the Llamados showed big improvement in this contest on a 42.6-percent clip.
“That’s something we’re really working on – scoring. It’s a relief that my players are getting challenged and rising to the occasion,” said Gregorio.
“Our import getting into foul-trouble situation gave me some anxious moments in the game, but the locals were determined to play and see us through,” Gregorio added. “It’s nice to win games especially against quality teams like Ginebra.”
The Kings couldn’t keep up with the Llamados, suffering a fourth loss against the same number of wins.
Jai Lewis knocked in a trey at the buzzer to force overtime then the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters roared on in the extra period to top the Air21 Express, 106-102, in the first game.
The Elasto Painters rose from the ashes and once again hit the .500 mark as they sent the Express reeling to a franchise worst skid of seven straight defeats.
“We’re really just lucky Jai hit that trey. We were playing not the way we should. Jai’s big shot then our good start in overtime saved our day,” said Rain or Shine coach Caloy Garcia.
Sol Mercado and Lewis put in personal conference-high outputs, leading Rain or Shine to a fourth win in eight starts.
Mercado pumped in 28 points, Lewis got 26 points while JayR Reyes and Gabe Norwood combined for 34 points and 22 rebounds as Rain or Shine dealt the slumping Air21 team an eighth loss against a lone win.
Air21 appeared headed for a win when Ronjay Buenafe canned in two foul shots giving the team a 90-87 lead with only 5.8 ticks left in regulation period.
The Express, however, lapsed in defense the closing seconds when Reggie Larry doubled at Mercado, leaving Lewis free from the left quartercourt.
Getting the ball from Mercado, Lewis unleashed a set shot that swished through the net at the buzzer.
Reyes, who came through with a double-double game with 19 points and 12 rebounds, started the overtime play with a three-pointer and the Elasto Painters held on to the lead to the finish.
Though falling behind by eight, 90-98, the Express actually still managed to get back into the game at 102-103 on clutch shots by Buenafe.