Sta. Lucia scored a fitting payback win over Kama Motors to improve its chances in the PCBL Founders Cup even as Caida Tiles went trouble free in coasting to its fifth straight win after manhandling Foton in the other game at Filoil Flying V Arena.
The Realtors nipped Kama Motors, 85-83, to avenge their overtime loss against this same team on opening day.
Earlier, Caida Tiles subdued Foton, 93-83, to remain perfect after five games. The Tile Masters continued to dominate the tournament, but the biggest test, according to head coach Mike Buendia, will come in the next few games.
“We play Kama, Euro-Med, Cagayan and one more Sta. Lucia; these teams are tough, especially Euro-Med nd Sta. Lucia,” said Buendia. “Cagayan, on the other hand, is up and coming.”
The top four in the tournament will carry a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.
Mark Montilla erupted for 24 points and played the hero’s role for his team, coming away with a layup with a second left to lift the Realtors to their third win in five games.
Montilla’s basket came on the heels of Jessie Saitanam’s triple in the last six seconds that knotted the score for the last time at 83-all.
Determined to settle the score against this team that defeated them a painful defeat, the Realtors set up Montilla, who broke free from his man for the game-winning layup.
But there were some scary moments though for the Realtors, who squandered another big lead, an 11-point advantage at 62-51 following a basket by Ivan Camasutra late in the third.
An 11-1 run run capped by new recruit Jamil Ortuouste shoved Kama Motors within striking distance, 62-63, early in the fourth that set up an exciting finish.
First Game
CAIDA TILES 93—Maiquez 17, Corpuz 14, Robles 13, Terso 10, Lozada 9, Almario 8, Gabawan 4, Hayes 4, Jamon 4, Rios 3, Leynes 3, Ruaya 2, Jamito 2.
FOTON 83—Hernandez 28, Mangahas 20, Gomez 15, Rivera 6, Reyes 4, Moraga 4, Enriquez 4, Habelito 2, Rosaroso 0, Baloran 0.
Quarters: 25-26, 50-40, 66-61, 93-83.
Second Game
SANTA LUCIA 85—Montilla 24, Gabriel 16, Ilagan 8, Bautista 8, Camasura 7, Wetherell 7, Vidal 5, Sarangay 5, Celiz 3, Onwubere 2, Escosio 0, Nicholls 0.
KAMA MOTORS 83—Pontejos 23, Lingganay 15, Cabrera 12, Ambulodto 8, Saitanan 7, Montuano 7, Ortuoste 6, Cawaling 3, Llera 1, Lunor 1, Fajardo 0, Ludovice 0, Argamino 0.
Quarters: 17-16, 36-37, 62-56, 85-83