Yeo fuels Petron win over Alaska

MANILA, Philippines - Second-string off-guard Joseph Yeo stepped up in the absence of injured rookie starter Chris Lutz, delivering 27 points that went with nine rebounds as Petron Blaze snapped a two-game losing skein with an 86-80 decision over Alaska Milk in a PBA Philippine Cup road game at the Hoops Dome in Lapu Lapu, Cebu last night.

Yeo rifled in 13 points right in the opening quarter then, after taking a rest in the second quarter, returned firing again, making the big difference as the Boosters went above the .500 mark again with a 4-3 win-loss record.

The former La Salle Archer himself made the biggest play in the contest, shaking off Tony dela Cruz’ defense for a drive-in basket that gave Petron a four-point lead at 84-80 with time down to 34 seconds.

Arwind Santos, Denok Miranda and Alex Cabagnot provided big help as the Boosters got back on track after back-to-back losses to the Meralco Bolts and the Talk n Text Tropang Texters.

The Boosters helped one another in a good defensive job at the finish, holding the Aces scoreless in the last 1:35 of the game held as part of the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour.

Alaska failed to complete a rally from 12 points down in the last five minutes and suffered a sixth loss against a lone win.

The PBA drew an overflow crowd in its first visit in the four-month-old playing venue.

Meanwhile, reigning champion Talk n Text hopes to pick up from where it left off as it returns from an eight-day respite tangling with Barangay Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum today.

The Tropang Texters are a lot fresher and should be pumped up, coming from a 96-86 conquest of the Petron Blaze Boosters in their last game on Oct. 28.

Coach Chot Reyes and his troops spent some days during their break holding a team-building session in Benguet.

Reyes, however, has his concerns, foremost of which is the team’s health. woe. Jimmy Alapag is out for the whole of November while Ranidel de Ocampo and Harvey Carey are day-to-day.

Reyes also considers the fact that Ginebra is always a tough opponent.

“They’re more dangerous coming off a loss so we must match their spirit,” said Reyes of the Kings whose amazing streak of come-from-behind wins were snapped by the Meralco Bolts just Friday.

Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen, meanwhile, said they are again facing a tough task against a formidable lineup.

“It’s going to be tough because they’re tall, athletic and quick. We need to double our effort to compensate for our lack of ceiling,” said Tanquingcen. “And it’s no secret they strive to quicken the tempo. We need to execute well on offense to minimize their fast break opportunities.”