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By Frank C. Calapre Correspondent
STA. LUCIA REALTY banked on Paolo
Mendoza to beat Alaska, 95-90, and
take a 3-2 lead in their best-of-seven semifinals series Wednesday
in the 33rd Smart-PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Mendoza posted a team-high 19
points, including three consecutive triples in the third period
where the Realtors posted a 64-47 advantage.
Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez
recognized the efforts of Mendoza and his other veteran players in
putting the team to within a win of clinching a finals berth.
“I give credit to my veterans
especially Paolo and Cap [Dennis Espino] for stepping up. My guards
Denok [Miranda], Ryan [Reyes] and even Bitoy [Omolon] also played
good defense against their guards,” said Fernandez.
“But I also have to give credit
to the Aces. They trailed by 17 but they came back. I give credit to
Tim Cone. He made good substitutions and they even led at one
point,” Fernandez added.
Denied of a handshake in Games 2,
3 and 4, Fernandez finally got one from the Alaska mentor.
“He coached a hell of a game
tonight,” said Cone, who also embraced Fernandez after the game.
“We came back from a very big lead but they kept their composure.
I was the one who started the practice of shaking the other hands of
the opposing coach after the game 18 years ago. I had to chase Sonny
Jaworski all over the court to shake his hand. Unless the PBA makes
it a requirement, I don’t think coaches have automatically shake
each hands every time.”
Fernandez could only thank Cone
for the gesture.
“I do appreciate that coach Tim
embraced me tonight,” said Fernandez. “He said I deserved to win
this game. That is well appreciated. I do respect him a lot. I know
coach Tim and I value his opinion.”
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