The Gin Kings trailed the Realtors for three quarters before Mark Caguioa, Jayjay Helterbrand and Romel Adducul conspired in a fourth quarter uprising that erased a 71-66 Sta. Lucia advantage going into the final 12 minutes.

Caguioa went on to lead the Gin Kings with 23 points, nine of them coming in the payoff period, while Adducul and Helterbrand banged in 21 and 19 markers, respectively, as the Kings joined idle Coca-Cola at the top of the standings.

The Realtors absorbed their second straight defeat.

The Gin Kings’ win came after Air 21 handed Talk ’N Text its second straight loss via a 105-102 decision, thanks to KG Cañaleta.

The high-leaping Cañaleta sank all three attempts from beyond the arc to key Air21’s victory, the Express’ first in two starts. His last trey gave the Express a 100-97 lead, 1:21 to play.

"I’m always telling my players that somebody should step up if we want to go far in this tournament," said Express coach Bo Perasol.

Cañaleta answered the call. He scored 15 of his career-high 18 points in the fourth as the Express rallied from a 67-75 deficit at the start of the payoff period.

The Express also drew another solid performance from Ren-Ren Ritualo, who had 18 points, five rebounds and three assists.

Ritualo’s biggest contribution came after missing the backend of his free throws, grabbing the offensive rebound and getting fouled with 10 seconds to play.

He split another pair but Jimmy Alapag missed a triple attempt and Willie Miller failed to throw his Hail Mary trey on time to hand the Express their first win in two games.

The Phone Pals dropped to 0-2.

Mark Telan delivered 16 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks against his former team. He also set up Ranidel de Ocampo for a wide-open dunk and a 102-97 Express lead, 59 seconds to go.

"Mark is not 100% yet. I expect bigger games from him when he’s fully adjusted with our system," said Perasol.