MANILA, Philippines – Despite his marital problems with TV host-actress Kris Aquino, B-Meg Derby Ace’s star player James Yap kept his on-court presence and even led his team to a 101-83 win past Barangay Ginebra on Wednesday night.

The former Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable Player scored 21 points, highlighted by 4 three-pointers to help the Llamados get closer to an automatic semifinal seat.

Thus, Yap was picked as the player of the game.   

“James is really focused and serious with his games. He must remain concentrated because he has obligations to the fans and management of B-Meg,” said his manager Dondon Monteverde.

Monteverde, however, said he is hopeful that Yap would be able to patch things up with Aquino for the sake of their kids.

“I am hoping that he and Kris will still reconcile also for the sake of the kids,” said Yap’s manager.

Aquino's co-host in Showbiz News Ngayon (SNN) Boy Abunda earlier confirmed that the high-profile couple was going through a rough time again, and that their latest marital problem could be the most serious incident.

It was on June 16 when Aquino first admitted through her Twitter page that she and Yap had a “big misunderstanding.”

Meanwhile, Coca-Cola and Rain or Shine will try to boost their chances to make it to the quarterfinals as they face separate foes in the KFC-PBA Fiesta Cup on Friday.

The Coca-Cola Tigers (7-9) will be facing the struggling Sta. Lucia Realtors (5-12) at 7:30 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum.

Friday’s 5 p.m. curtain raiser will be between the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (7-9) and the Air21 Express (4-13).