2007–08 PBA Philippine Cup Finals

The 2007–08 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Philippine Cup Finals is the best-of-7 championship series of the 2007–08 PBA Philippine Cup, and the conclusion of the conference's playoffs. The series is a best of seven affair and is the 94th championship disputed in the league. The teams competing are first-seed Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants and the second-seed Sta. Lucia Realtors. The Realtors are in their first Philippine Cup Finals stint.

2007–08 PBA Philippine Cup Finals
TeamCoachWins
Sta. Lucia Realtors Boyet Fernandez 4
Purefoods TJ Giants Ryan Gregorio 3
DatesFebruary 15 – March 2, 2008
MVPDennis Espino
TelevisionABC
AnnouncersGo to Broadcast Notes
Radio networkRadyo PBA
Referees
Game 1:Calungcaguin, Herrera, Maurillo
Game 2:Cruz, Aldaba, Canizares
Game 3:Calungcaguin, Herrera, G. Ferrer
Game 4:Aldaba, Ferrer, Maurillo
Game 5:Aldaba, Montiel, Quilinguen
Game 6:Cruz, Montiel, Aldaba
Game 7:Cruz, Calungcaguin, Herrera

Qualification

PurefoodsSta. Lucia
Finished 12–6 (0.667)Elimination roundFinished 12–6 (0.667) – 2nd
2–0 against Sta. Lucia – 1stTiebreaker
ByeWildcard phaseBye
Quarterfinals
Def. Red Bull Barako4–3SemifinalsDef. Alaska Aces4–3

Rosters

Sta. Lucia Realtors roster
PlayersCoaches
Pos.#POBNameHeightWeightDOB (YYYY–MM–DD)From
F 3 Philippines Omolon, Nelbert 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) Philippine Christian
G 8 Philippines Mendoza, Paolo 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) Philippines
C 9 Philippines Butel, Philip 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) UE
G 10 United States Reyes, Ryan 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) Cal State Fullerton
C 13 Philippines Aquino, Marlou 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) Adamson
F 14 Philippines Daa, Dennis 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) Centro Escolar Las Piñas
F/C 16 Philippines Espino, Dennis (C) 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) UST
G 18 Philippines Yeo, Joseph 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) De La Salle
F 19 Philippines Mamaclay, Melvin 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) Adamson
F 21 United States Williams, Kelly 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) Oakland
G 25 Philippines Bughao, Ronnie 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) San Beda
F 28 Philippines Gonzales, Norman 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) San Beda
G 32 Philippines Miranda, Dennis 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Far Eastern
G 40 Philippines Coronel, Christian 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) San Sebastian
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)
  • Philippines Adonis Tierra
  • Philippines Cholo Martin
  • Philippines Jaime Serrano, Jr

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured Injured
Purefoods TJ Giants roster
PlayersCoaches
Pos.#POBNameHeightWeightDOB (YYYY–MM–DD)From
G 1 Philippines Lanete, Chico 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Lyceum
C 5 Philippines Salvador, Jondan 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) St. Benilde
F/C 6 Philippines Rodriguez, Omanzie 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) Mapúa
F 7 Philippines Evangelista, Rey 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) UST
G 8 Philippines Simon, Peter June 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) Mindanao
F 9 Philippines Sanz, Robert 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Philippine Christian
C 10 Philippines Adducul, Rommel 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) San Sebastian
G 13 Philippines Yap, Roger 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) USJ–R
F 15 Philippines Pingris, Marc 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) PSBA
G 18 Philippines Yap, James 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) UE
F 20 Philippines Larong, Ardy 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) USJ–R
F 21 Philippines Raymundo, Kerby (C) 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) Letran
G 24 United States Cablay, Brandon Injured 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Vanguard
F 28 Philippines Yee, Richard 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) UST
G 40 United States Castillo, Noy 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) The Citadel
Head coach
Assistant coach(es)

Legend
  • (C) Team captain
  • (DP) Unsigned draft pick
  • (FA) Free agent
  • (S) Suspended
  • Injured Injured

Series scoring summary

Team Game 1 Game 2 Game 3 Game 4 Game 5 Game 6 Game 7 Wins
Purefoods 971011181067689883
Sta. Lucia 1091121079888811004
Venue AranetaAranetaAranetaAranetaAranetaAranetaAraneta

Games summary

Game 1

February 15
7:20 p.m.
Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants 97, Sta. Lucia Realtors 109
Scoring by quarter: 26–19, 29–27, 19–33, 23–30
Pts: J. Yap 22
Rebs: Pingris 11
Asts: R. Yap 4
Pts: Williams 24
Rebs: Williams 12
Asts: Reyes 5
Sta. Lucia leads series, 1–0
Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
Referees: Calungcaguin, Herrera, Maurillo

Purefoods and SLR engaged in a battle of attrition in the first three quarters but the Realtors pulled away late in the third quarter. Thanks to defense that led into transition offense, Kelly Williams collected 14 of his game-high 24 points to outscore the Giants 30–23 in the fourth quarter to claim Game 1.[1]

Game 2

February 17
6:30 p.m.
Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants 101, Sta. Lucia Realtors 112
Scoring by quarter: 26–28, 27–25, 28–28, 20–31
Pts: J. Yap 28
Rebs: Pingris 11
Asts: Raymundo 8
Pts: Williams 23
Rebs: Williams 11
Asts: Miranda 6
Sta. Lucia leads series, 2–0
Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
Referees: Cruz, Aldaba, Canizares

Just like in Game 1, Purefoods and SLR fought a close game until the fourth quarter when Sta. Lucia's younger players led a 12–2 run to close out the game; Joseph Yeo scored 16 while Miranda added 14 plus 6 assists.[2]

Game 3

February 20
7:00 p.m.
Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants 118, Sta. Lucia Realtors 107
Scoring by quarter: 28–26, 31–30, 27–24, 32–27
Pts: J. Yap 27
Rebs: Adducul 10
Asts: Raymundo 6
Pts: Yeo 22
Rebs: Williams 14
Asts: Yeo 3
Sta. Lucia leads series, 2–1
Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
Referees: Calungcaguin, Herrera, G. Ferrer

Purefoods found their finishing kick in the fourth quarter to prevent a sweep of the championship series to clinch their first win. With Peter June Simon being the third scoring option, Simon led the Giants through the third quarter with his outside sniping. James Yap and Kerby Raymundo finished off Simon's work in the fourth quarter. Williams got cold in the payoff quarter that prevented SLR's comeback.[3]

Game 4

February 22
7:00 p.m.
Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants 106, Sta. Lucia Realtors 98
Scoring by quarter: 27–28, 34–23, 22–37, 23–10
Pts: J. Yap 32
Rebs: Adducul 13
Asts: Raymundo 5
Pts: Omolon 19
Rebs: Williams 12
Asts: Miranda 9
Purefoods ties series, 2–2
Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
Referees: Aldaba, Ferrer, Maurillo

Prior to the game, Kelly Williams was awarded with the Best Player of the Conference Award, beating out Kerby Raymundo of Purefoods, Willie Miller of Alaska, Asi Taulava of Coca-Cola and Arwind Santos of Air21. Williams is the first Realtor to win the award[4]

However, the award has a jinx in which the awardee will lose the game in which he was awarded. Sta. Lucia tried to prevent that as they led by a point after the first quarter in which Raymundo and Pingris were assessed with two technical fouls each due to excessive complaining. Purefoods led by 10 thanks to a buzzer-beater by Roger Yap when the shot clock expired prior to half-time. Sta. Lucia closed the gap in the third quarter thanks to Nelbert Omolon's and Dennis Miranda's three-point shooting.

With the two teams exchanging turnovers at the fourth quarter, the Giants seized the initiative when James Yap scored 4 points in the last 2:03 to break the last deadlock at 95-all; Yap scored a conference-high 32 points. Purefoods managed to hold on to tie the series 2–2.[5]

Game 5

February 24
6:30 p.m.
Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants 76, Sta. Lucia Realtors 88
Scoring by quarter: 19–15, 20–22, 11–25, 26–26
Pts: Raymundo 20
Rebs: Pingris 9
Asts: Raymundo 7
Pts: Williams 20
Rebs: Williams 16
Asts: Miranda, Aquino 4
Sta. Lucia leads series, 3–2
Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
Referees: Aldaba, Montiel, Quilinguen

With both Yeo and Yap suspended, the two teams had less options for offense which led to the lowest scoring first quarter of the series. Purefoods opened the game on a better note, however, when they led by as much as 11 points in the first half.

The Realtors crept back into the game thanks to points off Purefoods' turnovers. Simon got cold and Raymundo had a tough time against SLR's zone defense. With Sta. Lucia erecting a double-digit lead, Purefoods managed to cut to seven but Chico Lanete's turnover in a fastbreak attempt ended the Giants' hopes of a comeback.

SLR had good games from veterans Dennis Espino and Paolo Mendoza who stepped up in Yeo's absence.[6]

Game 6

February 27
7:00 p.m.
Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants 89, Sta. Lucia Realtors 81
Scoring by quarter: 22–15, 18–15, 17–29, 32–22
Pts: J. Yap 30
Rebs: Pingris 21
Asts: Raymundo 11
Pts: Espino 22
Rebs: Williams 17
Asts: Miranda 5
Purefoods ties series, 3–3
Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
Referees: Cruz, Montiel, Aldaba

Both Yeo and Yap returned from the suspensions in the pivotal Game 6; the TJ Giants are on a do-or-die situation while the Realtors can clinch the title with a win.

The teams took the opening quarter strong but Purefoods pulled away after a tight first few minutes. SLR caught up with them at the second quarter but thanks to Purefoods' rebounding, they inflated their lead by up to ten points at half-time.

The Realtors stepped their offense on the third quarter, even leading at some points. But James Yap scored 20 of his 30 teams in the payoff period to lead Purefoods into a Game 7. Williams had a lackluster offensive game although he grabbed 17 rebounds; but it was Marc Pingris who grabbed the most boards, with a series high 21 rebounds.[7]

Game 7

March 2
6:30 p.m.
Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants 88, Sta. Lucia Realtors 100
Scoring by quarter: 21–18, 24–26, 25–27, 18–29
Pts: Simon 27
Rebs: Pingris 13
Asts: Yap 4
Pts: Espino 29
Rebs: Williams 15
Asts: Yeo 5
Sta. Lucia wins series, 4–3
Araneta Coliseum, Quezon City
Attendance: 18,167
Referees: Cruz, Calungcaguin, Herrera

With the Araneta Coliseum unavailable for February 29 due to a Ne-Yo concert, the final game was conducted on March 2. YouTube singing sensation Charice Pempengco sang the national anthem prior the game.

Sta. Lucia started with a 6–1 blast but Purefoods caught up with them and took the lead at the end of the first quarter. Sta. Lucia and the TJ Giants kept it close as neither team led by more than double figures by half-time. When the third quarter started, Sta. Lucia ignited a run that saw their lead reach 10 points; Simon then led the comeback for Purefoods as the Giants caught up once again to arrange a close fourth quarter.

The game was close until the seven-minute mark when Ryan Reyes scored a three-point field goal; James Yap, not to be outdone, shot a trey but it rattled out of rim. The #1 draft pick on the 1995 PBA Draft Dennis Espino then led the 13–2 run as Purefoods' outside shots rattled in-and-out of the rim for a Sta. Lucia pull-away. Giants coach Ryan Gregorio used up all of his timeouts but the Realtors managed to convert their inside jumpers. Espino scored 10 points in the fourth quarter to prevent a Purefoods incursion to assure the Sta. Lucia franchise their first Philippine Cup championship and their second championship overall. Espino was adjudged as the Finals MVP.[8]

2007–08 Philippine Cup Champions

Sta. Lucia Realtors
Second title

Finals Most Valuable Player

Statistics

Scoring by quarter
Team1st2nd3rd4thTotal
Purefoods169183149174675
Sta. Lucia149168203175695

Purefoods

NameGP2FG%3FG%FG%FT%RebAstTOStlBlkFlsPts
Rommel Adducul757.1--57.155.68.40.31.50.140.573.65.6
Noy Castillo650.035.738.950.01.60.80.60.000.002.44.4
Rey Evangelista377.8100.080.00.003.70.00.30.330.002.05.7
Chico Lanete629.436.432.175.01.70.61.60.570.001.43.6
Ardy Larong40.050.033.350.00.00.00.30.000.252.51.0
Marc Pingris754.5--54.573.911.60.91.70.291.434.39.3
Kerby Raymundo744.114.338.686.78.06.03.60.711.003.618.6
Omanzie Rodriguez260.0--60.0100.00.80.20.20.200.000.42.0
Jondan Salvador753.3--53.350.04.40.21.20.400.003.63.4
Robert Sanz466.725.052.281.80.30.00.80.170.002.01.6
Peter June Simon748.133.341.474.42.40.61.30.140.002.618.4
James Yap643.932.340.270.64.32.22.70.170.832.720.7
Roger Yap751.430.046.766.74.82.31.71.000.502.88.8
Richard Yee2--------1.00.01.50.000.003.00.0

Sta. Lucia

NameGP2FG%3FG%FG%FT%RebAstTOStlBlkFlsPts
Marlou Aquino641.70.040.850.03.61.41.90.140.431.97.0
Philip Butel1------50.00.00.00.00.000.000.01.0
Christian Coronel566.70.028.6--0.60.80.40.400.002.20.8
Dennis Daa644.4100.047.477.83.20.00.70.170.172.54.3
Dennis Espino761.20.056.980.04.01.02.10.000.713.016.3
Norman Gonzales744.440.042.169.21.60.00.00.290.002.14.1
Melvin Mamaclay10.00.00.0100.03.02.01.00.000.002.02.0
Paolo Mendoza644.436.440.058.31.62.00.10.710.002.36.7
Dennis Miranda745.950.046.383.32.94.01.60.860.143.49.3
Nelbert Omolon756.344.453.058.34.00.72.40.860.864.613.1
Ryan Reyes737.015.830.890.56.92.31.11.570.143.48.9
Kelly Williams737.015.830.858.510.42.32.00.710.432.415.3
Joseph Yeo650.036.845.579.43.32.01.50.380.001.914.0

Broadcast notes

GamePlay-by-playAnalystCoach's CornerCourtside Reporters
Game 1Ed PicsonQuinito HensonNorman BlackDominic Uy and Paolo Trillo
Game 2Mico HaliliJason WebbNorman BlackPatricia Bermudez-Hizon
Game 3Mico HaliliRado DimalibotNorman BlackDominic Uy and Paolo Trillo
Game 4Ed PicsonQuinito HensonNorman BlackMagoo Marjon and Patricia Bermudez-Hizon
Game 5Ed PicsonQuinito HensonNorman BlackDominic Uy and Paolo Trillo
Game 6Mico HaliliJason WebbNorman BlackRichard del Rosario, Dominic Uy, Eric Reyes, Paolo Trillo and Marga Vargas
Game 7Richard del RosarioJason WebbNorman BlackDominic Uy, Eric Reyes and Marga Vargas

Suspensions and other issues

James Yap suspension

With Game 3 already decided, James Yap committed a flagrant foul (penalty 1) against Joseph Yeo. Yeo was driving to the basket when he passed the ball to a teammate; after that, Yap slapped Yeo in the face to mete a flagrant foul. Commissioner Sonny Barrios suspended Yap for a game and fined the 2005–06 MVP P20,000. Purefoods coach Ryan Gregorio remarked it as a "damning decision" while Realtors coach Boyet Fernandez said it was a "big boost" for his team. Yap served his suspension at Game 5 since notification to Gregorio arrived in the late evening.

In a related event, Purefoods alternate governor Rene Pardo resigned as chairman of the PBA ethics committee as a direct offshoot of the team’s disgruntlement on the way Barrios handled the James Yap case. Pardo said that, Barrios, who suspended Yap on the same day the commissioner met with some top Sta. Lucia officials at the EDSA Shangri-la Hotel, "the timing was awful. It should have been with some sense of propriety that the lunch offer was turned down." Barrios on his part didn't see anything wrong with the lunch meeting since the meeting was done at a public place.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Corporation pulled out their ads from the Associated Broadcasting Company (ABC)'s TV coverage. No reason was given. The league's technical head, Perry Martinez, went on an indefinite leave of absence after voicing his disagreement over Yap's suspension, due to "health issues."

Joseph Yeo suspension

With SLR on a fouling spree to conserve time on Game 4, Yeo committed a flagrant foul (penalty 2) when he hit Noy Castillo in the face. Yeo and Castillo then had a shouting spree before Castillo missed his two free throws. This would assure that Yeo will miss Game 5 along with James Yap.

References

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