COACH Chot Reyes described Sta. Lucia Realty's debut game, its first season-opening win in three years, as an ugly victory. The opponent was undetermined and their offense was far from impressive. Still, Reyes could not deny the fact that the Realtors are in fighting form and that they are well-equipped to finally nail their first title.

"This is a step-by-step process. I hope we can surprise even ourselves," said Reyes who will be trying to duplicate his accomplishment with former team Purefoods--win a title in his first conference with Sta. Lucia.

While Reyes lauded the performances of neophytes Angelo David and Gabby Cui, he was disappointed with his other rookie, Jason Webb.

"He gave up two quick fouls and missed two free throws. To think that during practice, he went something like 14-of-14 from the stripe. He has the highest percentage in the team," said Reyes whose charges beat Pop Cola last Tuesday, 80-73.

Formula Shell, coming off an 88-81 loss to Gordon's Gin on that same night, will try to foil Sta. Lucia from taking an early 2-0 lead when they meet in the main game.

The Zoom Masters, whose best finish in the All Filipino Cup was second place in 1985, trailed the Boars most of the game and had the chance to reverse the outcome in the final four minutes if not for some costly errors.

Shell, whose 33 wins last year is its best since its 35 in 1990, also shot a poor 38 percent from the field and were outrebounded, 54-49.

Incidentally, Benjie Paras, who only had six points in their Tuesday game, needs only four more offensive rebounds to become the 19th player in the 1,000 offensive rebounds department.

In the second game, a cripppled San Miguel Beer and Purefoods Corned Beef meet in the 5:15 opener.

An interesting sidelight of this match is the debut of head coaches Ron Jacobs and his proteges, Eric Altamirano, for their respective ballclubs.

Jacobs got his working permit from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) only last February 12 and the Basketball Coaches Association of the Philippines (BCAP), headed by new PBL commissioner Yeng Guiao, is again protesting it.

Altamirano on the other hand is crediting the American mentor for teaching him all his coaching skills.

The Beermen will be without Allan Caidic, Bong Alvarez and Dong Polistico, all nursing various injuries. They are expected to play on March yet.

Purefoods placed second in this conference last year behind Alaska Milk. -Romina Austria

February 19,1997
Sta. Lucia posts 'ugly win' over Pop Cola.

Decimated Gordon's Gin drops Shell, 88-81.

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.