The stars seem to be well-aligned tonight for the Realtors.
 
    The absence of James Yap (for the TJ Giants) and Joseph Yeo (for the Realtors) proved to be a mismatch in favor of Sta Lucia as they beat Purefoods 88-76 in game 5 of the Smart-PBA All Filipino Cup Finals Sunday night at the Araneta Coliseum. Seeking their first ever All-Filipino Cup Title, Sta Lucia's mainstays proved too much for the battle-weary, mortally-wounded Purefoods side playing minus scoring leader James Yap who is serving a one-game suspension for commiting a technical foul back in game 3. Joseph Yeo, the flashy off-guard of Sta Lucia meanwhile is serving his own one-game suspension for a similar technical foul he commited in game 4 against Noy Castillo. Old hands proved to be reliable tonight for Sta Lucia with Marlou Aquino, Dennis Espino and Paolo Mendoza each contributing 12, 15 and 9 points respectively most of which came when Purefoods is trying to stage a dramatic comeback in the 4th quarter.

    Add this effort to another all-around performance by Kelly Williams who finished the game with 20 points and 16 rebounds- his 21st double-double in the conference. The 1st and 2nd quarters proved to be a seesaw battle for both squads with neither team able to lead by more than 5 until Purefoods is able to go ahead by 11 midway through the 2nd quarter only to be cut to two points 39-37 at the end of the 1st half. Leading the first-seeded Giants in lieu of James Yap is franchise player Kerby Raymundo who scored 20 points almost single-handledly carried the fight for his team most of the game despite being scoreless for almost seven minutes in the second quarter and taking ill-advised shots in the 3rd canto. Surprise starter Chico Lañete was able to provide a much needed scoring support with 10 points including successive hits from downtown in the payoff period when Purefoods is staging a comeback. Noy Castillo, Marc Pingris, Roger Yap and Rommel Adducul all made key contributions in the second and third period when Kerby Raymundo is struggling but all failed to sustain the hype they were able to establish early on. The biggest disappointment perhaps of the night at least for the Purefoods side is Peter June Simon who is expected to pick up the scoring responsibilities left by James Yap but was able to produce a measly three points- his lowest output in the conference.

    Game 6 is set to be played on Wednesday still at the Big Dome where James Yap and Joseph Yeo are expected to be back in uniform for their respected teams. Sta Lucia maybe up 3-2 but they should be wary not to underestimate a Purefoods side whose heart is unquestionable and championship experience is well-documented. In fact they were able to survive a 3-1 deficit before and they are poised to do so again with James Yap back on their fold.

    "ang daming tao sa Araneta kanina, I have this funny feeling luto yung laro. Ang daming fouls na hindi tinawagan sa fourth quarter! sobrang nakakawala kaya ng morale yun! :D kaya hindi umuunlad ang Pilipinas eh. haay!"