Gabby Espinas of Sta. Lucia fakes for a shot against Barako Energy Coffee's Bryan Faundo during the PBA Fiesta Cup's first game last Sunday. (Photo by TONY PIONILLA)

Games Wednesday (Araneta Coliseum)
5 p.m. – Coca-Cola vs Barako Coffee
7:30 p.m. – San Miguel vs Air21

Point guard Al Vergara, one of the four new players acquired during the break, stood tall Sunday night, coming through with big baskets at crunch time to help lift Barako Bull Coffee to a 97-93 win over Sta. Lucia at the start of the PBA Fiesta Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The 5-foot-7 Vergara, a veteran of international competitions but only in his second stint in the pro league, buried back-to-back jumpers, last against Ryan Reyes that gave the Coffee Masters a 94-88 lead with 46.1 seconds left to play.

He finished with eight points, two rebounds and three assist to share the limelight with import Sammy Monroe and debuting coach Junel Baculi.

Monroe sizzled with 39 points, including 17 of the team’s 34 points in the third quarter that enabled them to turn a 44-46 halftime deficit for a 78-68 advantage entering the fourth quarter. He also had 11 rebounds and three assists.

In the second game, Barangay Ginebra reaffirmed its mastery over Talk ’N Text by scoring a 97-90 win in the second game.

The Gin Kings, who beat the Tropang Texters in a heated quarterfinal series, got off to a slow start but picked up enough momentum in the third quarter to blow past their rivals and keep abreast with Barako Bull Coffee.

Import Awvee Storey tallied 33 points and 16 rebounds to lead Ginebra’s onslaught. Three other Gin King players finished in double digit as guard Mark Caguioa scattered 19 points, wingman Ronald Tubid had 11 while last season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) Jayjay Helterbrand contributed 11 with three boards and seven assists.

“I just told the team to just work hard. We wanted to prove something, including me, that we belong here in the PBA,” said Baculi.

But it’s not yet time to celebrate.

“But it doesn’t stop there. We still have 17 games to play and it’s a long, long way. We’ll continue working hard, that’s the only way to go. Yes we’re talented, but other teams are more talented,” added Baculi, crediting the presence of team owner George Chua, who used to be a regular fixture in every game of the team but has missed passed games in previous conferences.

The win was likewise a fitting birthday present to Harbour Centre owner Mikee Romero who celebrated his 39th birthday yesterday. Harbour Centre is Barako’s sponsor for this conference.

Forward Leo Najorda added 12 points, while Rob Reyes had eight with three shot blocks.

The scores:
First Game
Barako Coffee 97 – Monroe 39, Najorda 12, Vergara 8, Reyes 8, Wainwright 8, Menor 5, Dimaunahan 5, Duncil 4, Aljamal 4, Gaco 2, Faundo 2, Alonzo 0.
Sta. Lucia 93 – Johnson 41, Espinas 14, Reyes 13, Custodio 8, Williams 6, Mendoza 4, Misolas 3, Omolon 2, Aquino 2, Waters 0, Urbiztondo 0, Belano 0.
Quarters: 25-23, 44-46, 78-68, 97-93.

Second Game
Ginebra 95 – Storey 33, Caguioa 19, Tubid 16, Helterbrand 11, Baguio 8, Menk 4, Intal 2, Cruz 2, Villanueva 2, De Ocampo 0.
Talk N' Text 90 – Daniels 19, Cardona 19, De Ocampo 14, Carey 8, Alapag 8, Yee 7, Castro 7, Dillinger 6, Aban 2, Peek 0, Belasco 0.
Quarters: 15-21, 38-39, 64-63, 95-90.