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Kings make semis

By Calvin Cordova
Cebu Daily News

Posted date: July 17, 2008


ABANDONED by their import, the Sta. Lucia Realtors failed to survive another do-or-die game, bowing to the semifinal-bound Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings, 85-113, last night in Game Two of their PBA Fiesta Cup best-of-three quarterfinal series at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

According to a report, the 6-foot-10 Lee Benson decided to go home after his request for a salary increase was not granted.

The Sta. Lucia management was reportedly furious over the unprofessional behavior shown by Benson, who, according to an internet report, spent almost nine years at the Warren Correctional Institution in Lebanon, Ohio for drug trafficking and abduction charges .

Without Benson, it was a no contest for the Kings, who advanced to the semifinal round to face the Red Bull Barakos in a best-of-seven series.

The Kings, who took Game One, 92-90, are now on an eight-game winning streak, the best in the conference, dating back to the elimination round.

Ginebra is enjoying a major turnaround after it started the conference with five straight losses.

Ginebra closed the first half with a 56-43 lead and went on to post its biggest lead of 29 points in the fourth, 94-65.

JayJay Helterbrand led Ginebra with 22 points, Chris Alexander and Marc Caguioa finished with 19 each, while Junthy Valenzuela and Paul Artadi tallied 15 and 12 markers, respectively.

Artadi also delivered 11 assists and six steals.

Kelly Williams piled up 23 points for the Realtors, who survived two do-or-die games in the wildcard round to advance to the quarters.

The Magnolia Beverage Masters and the Coca-Cola Tigers were still completing their Game Two battle as of press time with a win by the former assuring them of a semis slot against the Air21 Express.

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