The Tigers, drawing big games from their stars, conquered the gritty Realtors in overtime, 108-104, last night in the Gran Matador Brandy 2006 PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Ali Peek and John Arigo had their best offensive effort in the tournament for the Tigers with 29 and 28 points, respectively.

The win, the Tigers’ sixth in eight games, propelled Coca-Cola to the top of the leaderboard as Barangay Ginebra toppled erstwhile solo leader San Miguel Beer, 103-94, in the main game.

The Gin Kings, who notched their fifth win in eight games, joined idle Purefoods at third, half-a-game behind the now second-placed Beermen.

Despite playing without their top two scorers, Dennis Espino and Kenneth Duremdes, the Realtors dominated the regulation and had several chances of closing out the match in the dying seconds. But the persistence of the Tigers was as commendable.

Arigo scored the Tigers’ last seven points, including the game-tying trey over two defenders with 7.2 seconds remaining, to save his team from embarrassment.

Sta. Lucia rookie Alex Cabagnot missed a jumper as time expired with the game tied at 93-93.

"Even before the start of the game I told my players that although we’re not up against big names, the Realtors surely have a big fight in them," said Tigers coach Binky Favis.

Marlou Aquino, the league’s top shot blocker, also played limited minutes for the Realtors with a hurting foot.

The white flag came out with nine seconds to play as Dale Singson scored off a steal by Billy Mamaril for a 107-102 count in favor of the Tigers.

The Realtors grabbed the lead for the last time on an up-and-under lay up by Jimwell Torion, 99-98, but Dennis Miranda and Rafi Reavis responded with back-to-back hits to give the Tigers the lead for good, 102-99.

"They (Realtors) are really tough. We just made key plays towards the end of regulation and overtime," said Favis, who also clinched a coaching spot in the All-Star Game after notching their sixth win in eight games.