Philippine Sports News and Updates

Brunei -- The LG Sakers of Korea pulled out a vengeful 76-72 win over the Sta. Lucia Realtors Sunday to win the seventh Brunei Cup basketball tournament at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Sports Complex here.

The Realtors were down by only two at 72-74 and on the attack when Anthony Johnson was slapped with an offensive foul, time down to 32 seconds to the dismay of the big Filipino crowd.

The Koreans scored on the next play to clinch the championship while avenging their 75-66 loss to the Filipinos in the eliminations.

“It was a dubious call that ensured the victory for the Koreans,” rued Sta. Lucia Realty team manager Buddy Encarnado.

The Realtors settled for second-place in the annual Brunei invitational tourney ruled the past two years by the RP training team under coach Chot Reyes.

The Realtors, who are girding for the coming Philippine Basketball Association season, finally felt the absence of main man Kelly Williams, who’s on vacation in the United States after seeing action with the RP team in the recent FIBA-Asia meet in Japan.

Johnson paced Sta. Lucia with 24 points. Nelbert Omolon added 13, Paolo Mendoza 12 and Marlou Aquino 10.

The Realtors found the Koreans a lot tougher in their rematch, taking the lead for the first time only at 67-64 midway through the fourth quarter.

Source: Inquirer.net