Fran Yu and Japan B.League prospect Justin Arana led the Pasig-Sta. Lucia Realtors to a final-quarter fightback, which lifted them to a 70-66 win over San Juan on Tuesday at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
Their quarterfinal heroics sent the Realtors into the semifinals of the Chooks-to-Go Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League.
The Realtors, who remained unbeaten in six games, will have a semifinal knockout match with the winner of the match between Basilan-Jumbo Plastic and Mindoro.
Yu and the 6’7” Arana took turns in protecting the Realtors’ slim two-point lead in the last four minutes.
The 5’10” Yu sank three charities in the remaining two seconds and this allowed the Realtors to move out of trouble with their four-point edge at the end of the game.
“Pinagtrabahuhan ng mga players ‘yung defense. Kung hindi sila nag-trabaho, hindi namin mararating ito,” said Realtors’ coach Bong de la Cruz.
Arana, who is being invited to play for the B.League next season, also dominated the middle with 11 rebounds.
It was Arana’s lone charity with 5:22, which allowed the Realtors to remain ahead by two, 60-58.
Jerald Bautista topscored for the Realtors with 12 points while Jeckster Apinan added 10.
San Juan, starring John Michael Calma with 13 points, was last in front off Rhenz Abando’s jumper in the remaining 9:56 of the fourth, 56-54.
After that, the Realtors fought to stay in control and got the needed points from Yu’s lone charity and two freebies from Allen Mina, 57-56, in the last 6:29.
Pasig-Sta. Lucia earlier completed a five-game sweep of Pool A after handing Negros a harsh 85-73 exit.