By Rey Joble

DENIED of an opportunity to defend its crown, deposed Philippine Cup champion Sta. Lucia secured the next best available reward?a third-place finish.

Last night, the Realtors fought back from an eight-point, fourth-quarter deficit before pulling off a come-from-behind 99-97 triumph over the San Miguel Beermen at the Araneta Coliseum.

Kelly Williams and Bitoy Omolon joined hands in the pivotal stretch of the final quarter to frustrate the Beermen, who were leading in the early goings of the fourth period, but faltered in the endgame.

?We were two wins short from our bid to defend the crown. We encountered problems on injuries in the elims, but the guys never gave up. We just hope we learned a valuable experience this conference. Hopefully, next conference, we can come back stronger,? said Sta. Lucia coach Boyet Fernandez.

A floater by Dennis Miranda over the outstretched arms of Mick Pennisi proved to be the winning basket as neither team was able to score in the next one minute and a half.

The Beermen had their chances. They led 93-85 on a Chris Calaguio triple inside the final nine-minute mark. But the Realtors played with so much pride and didn?t quit easily, keeping abreast behind baskets from Miranda, Omolon and Williams to set up an exciting windup.

Meanwhile, Red Bull will now have a new coach in Leo Isaac.

The former Ginebra Gin King superstar will assume the reins left by Yeng Guiao, who accepted the coaching offer from Burger King.

Isaac, former Shell and Welcoat mentor Leo Austria and Guiao?s assistant Gee Abanilla were the ones considered by the Barako Bull, the new name to be carried by Red Bull, to become the team?s new head mentor.

But the job went to the former Mapua Cardinal, who had been discussing the possibilities of joining the squad as early as last week with team manager Andy Jao.

Isaac, who also had previous stints as assistant coach with Mobiline and Air21 recently, is a champion bench tactician in the amateur and collegiate ranks. He will inherit a squad orphaned by superstars in the Barako Bull?s camp.