Sta. Lucia gains PCBL twice-to-beat

MANILA, Philippines - Sta. Lucia fended off a rallying Euro-Med, 71-67, last Tuesday to clinch a twice-to-beat edge in the quarterfinal round of the PCBL Founders Cup at the JCSGO gym in QC.

The win was the Realtors’ sixth against four losses with Sta. Lucia hoping to land at second spot on a victory by Foton over Jumbo Plastic, which clash today in the tournament backed by Accel, Spalding, Aquabest and Ambucore.

The top four teams at the end of the elims will gain a twice-to-beat advantage over their lower-ranked rivals.

Mark Montilla found his range in the second half, scoring all his 21 points to fuel the Realtors’ series of runs. He poured in 13 markers in the fourth quarter as the Realtors pulled away at 67-54 before the Euro-Med side, behind Mar Villahermosa, rallied but ran out of time. 

Guard Kent Salado also provided the spark in the backcourt with his hustling plays and steady playmaking for Sta. Lucia. He finished with 11 points, eight rebounds and a steal. Big man Wowie Escosio chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds.

Sydney Onwubere also finished with 10 rebounds for Sta. Lucia, which beat Euro-Med off the boards, 49-44. 

Top seed Caida Tiles ended its elimination round campaign on a winning note with a 94-65 demolition of Supremo Lex. They will meet again in the quarterfinal round with the No.1 Tile Masters carrying a twice-to-beat edge over the Builders.