MANILA – Salvaging some of its pride, Sta. Lucia Realty got away with a 99-97 victory against San Miguel Beer last night to finish third in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

A baseline floater from Dennis Miranda with less than two minutes left in the ballgame, nailed the win for Sta. Lucia while Mick Pennisi will always remember his three-point attempt that was off the mark, leading to a scramble and a jumpball situation between Miranda and Bonbon Custodio with only 1.4 ticks left.

Custodio won the tap but the ball went to nobody as time expired.

Though missing the finals this time, Sta. Lucia’s coach Boyet appreciated the efforts of the Realtors adding that they will come back strong in the next conference.

Next up for SLR is an 11-day rest before coming back for practice starting February 9.

Fernandez said they have a short list of four candidates for a possible import in the Fiesta Conference that opens Feb. 28 featuring reinforcements not standing more than 6-foot-6.

Tops among the candidates is Anthony Johnson, who saw action for Coca-Cola in the 2007 edition of the same tournament. In nine games, he averaged 29.6 points, 14.4 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.1 steals and 1.1 shotblocks per game.

Despite a recurring right knee injury, Dennis Espino still managed to lead Sta. Lucia with 21 points on top of four rebounds and as many assists. Kelly Williams added 15 points and 14 rebounds with Miranda and Joseph Yeo adding 13 and 11, respectively.

Wesley Gonzales led all scorers with a career-high 25 points while Marc Pingris added 20 points and Chris Calaguio 19 for San Miguel, which was denied from becoming the first team to reach the 1,000-win mark. The league pioneer's win-loss record currently stands at 999-816 since 1975.

It was the sixth third place finish overall by the Realtors, breaking a six-game losing streak for such honors.

San Miguel remains with the most third place trophies with 14.

Jay Washington came into the game only while the third period was in full blast, having just had treatment for his bruised ribs suffered in the semis series against Talk ‘N Text.

Danny Seigle and Lordy Tugade also did not see action due to lower back spasms and left knee tendinitis, respectively.* pba.com

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