‘Positive Pair’ keeps Purefoods upbeat

There’s nothing negative about James Yap and Roger Yap especially in the best-of-five quarterfinal round of the KFC PBA Philippine Cup, which has seen the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants race to a 2-0 lead over Rain or Shine.

The “Positive Pair," as some would be calling them right now, carried much of the load - offensively and defensively - as the Giants continued to dominate the Elasto Painters whom they have also beaten twice in the elimination round.

In Game One, which Purefoods won, 90-85, James Yap sizzled with 31 points on top of six rebounds, three assists and a blocked shot while Roger Yap added 17 points, three rebounds, an assist and a steal aside from putting the clamps on Rain or Shine’s main man, Solomon Mercado.

In Game Two, James Yap submitted 23 points, five rebounds and three assists but most importantly made two free throws off a foul by Eddie Laure with six-tenths of a second remaining to lift the Giants past the Elasto Painters, 95-94.

Roger Yap, on the other hand, had 22 points, five rebounds and three assists but hit back-to-back triples in the final two minutes as the Giants successfully completed a comeback from 20 points down.

"The duo have played consistently well in the quarterfinals. They have towed us to two victories with their scoring as well as their defensive toughness," said Purefoods coach Paul Ryan Gregorio of his wards who were named KFC/Accel-PBA Press Corps’ Co-Players of the Week for the period January 27 to 31.

"James and Roger were alternating to convert one big shot after another in Games 1 and 2, highlighted by the free throws of James at the end of Game 2 to snatch a victory from the jaws of defeat," he added.

James Yap, the 2005-06 Most Valuable Player awardee, has proven to be the epitome of a true professional as he had drawn a line on basketball and family life which, only recently was rocked by controversy.

Meanwhile, Roger Yap has taken up the role of team leader as he took it upon himself to take on the best offensive weapon of the opposing team and then hit the big shots when needed most.

"Sinabi ko lang sa mga kasama ko na puwede pa kaming makabawi kahit malaki ang lamang ng kalaban. Unti-untiin lang namin at huwag mawalan ng focus," he said after the Giants’ great escape in Game Two.

Purefoods can wrap up the short series with another win over Rain or Shine on Wednesday and that would set the Giants up with San Miguel Beer in the best-of-seven semifinal round.

From here onwards, it’s all think positive and do positive for Purefoods!

Source: Author Unknown  | GMANews.TV