PBA: Sta. Lucia title retention bid still alive

MANILA, Philippines – Sta. Lucia’s back-to-back title bid remains alive after the Realtors defeated the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 92-85, in their KFC Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup quarterfinals series Friday night at the Astrodome in Pasay City. The Realtors swept the Elasto Painters, 2-0, to end the Gabe Norwood-less Rain or Shine crew’s amazing run. It was ROS’ best season since joining the league in 2006 as the league’s postseason first-timer ended the elimination round as the fourth seeded squad with a 10-7 mark. The PBA commissioner’s office suspended Norwood after the top Rookie of the Year (ROY) candidate was ejected for an unsportsmanlike play in Game 1, which the Realtors won via a convincing 101-84 triumph. Dennis Espino paced Sta. Lucia with 19 points behind a 9-of-11 shooting at the free throw line while also blocking two shots. Ryan Reyes provided scoring support to Espino as the 2007 ROY winner finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. The Realtors will next face early qualifier Alaska in the best-of-seven semifinals series beginning on Wednesday. – GMANews.TV