Gordon's Gin lost two key players to injuries in the first half then playing-coach Robert Jaworski to technicals in the fourth quarter but not its own heart and soul in the endgame to pull off an impressive 88-81 victory last night in the PBA All-Filipino Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Noli Locsin, Marlou Aquino and veterans Pido Jarencio and Benny Cheng conspired in the Boars' tight escape in the final 3:27 minutes against the team that played a bit role in their controversial dispute with seven-foot slotman EJ Feihl.

Gordon's Gin was ahead, 79-72, when referee Maynard Ballecer slapped three successive technicals - first on assistant coach Philip Cezar and two on Jaworski - following a rugged loose ball battle on its side of the court.

Jaworski, who teamed up with Jarencio in keeping the Turbochargers at bay in the second period, left the court as Victor Pablo made two of three freebies. Peter Naron added a basket and Pablo another charity that narrowed the gap to only 78-79.

Faced with a monumental collapse from an 18-point advantage early in the second quarter, the Boars countered with an off-balanced Cheng layup and a jum-per by Hizon coming off a defensive gem by Jarencio and Locsin in a failed Shell offensive.

A foul by Hizon sent Pablo to the stripes but the latter missed his second free throw which Cheng recovered, pitched to Locsin who then turned in into the decisive basket for 85-79 only 1:49 to go.

Point-guard Bal David and banger Wilmer Ong limped out in the second quarter of the game the Boars were threatening to turn into a rout when they posted that 29-11 advantage.

Locsin wound up with 21 points, Aquino 22, Hizon 17 and Jarencio 15.

Earlier, Sta. Lucia Realty beat Pop Cola, 80-73, in a game between two ballclubs which have yet to get into the groove.

It was, however, a win that failed to pass the grade set by the Realtors' new coach Chot Reyes.

"Yes, it was a win. But it was an ugly win," said Reyes after his wards had to huff and puff before putting out the undermanned and injury- plagued Bottlers. "I'm not satisfied."

Jun Limpot's game- high 28 markers highlighted the Sta. Lucia offensive - the one factor which failed to impress Reyes considering the fact that the team boasts of a host of talented cagers in Dennis Espino, Gerald Esplana, Elmer Cabahug and rookie Jason Webb.

Coming off recent injuries and yet to be fully recovered, Vergel Meneses, Bonel Balingit and Zaldy Realubit suited up for the Bottlers but struggled in coming up with their usual numbers. Ato Agustin was absent due to tonsilitis.

Still, the Realtors failed to score a rout which, judging from the reactions of Reyes, gave hints of their vulnerability in future tough assignments.

"We played hard but we did not play well," added Reyes. "It's a good thing our defense held and I think, and hope, that it can carry us in our next games."

Webb, which showed promise in the tuneup matches along with fellow greenhorns Angelo David and Gabby Cui, started out flat with two quick fouls and four missed free throws. -EDGARD A. HILARIO

Angry Ginebra finally drops bid to re-sign Feihl.

February 18,1997
Gordon's Gin, Shell mix it up tonight.

February 17,1997
Alaska thunders past Mobiline.

February 16,1997
PBA 23rd season opens with grand slam coaches.

February 15,1997
Coach sees new role for Alvin

Alaska's winning lineup broken, but not its spirit.

Feihl wins MVP.

February 14,1997
Guiao on Feihl case: PBL not under PBA.

February 13,1997
DOLE okays Jacobs permit

February 12,1997
EJ Feihl joins PBL.

Puyat wants GAB to force PBA to play for RP team.