Express log victory over struggling Global Port
The Air21 Express had a forgettable campaign in last season’s All-Filipino Cup where they went winless in the entire 14-game elimination round.
There will be no repeat of that horrendous experience.
The Express secured their first win just two games into the 38th PBA Philippine Cup, playing with a lot of poise down the stretch to hammer out an 88-81 win over Global Port Batang Pier last night at the Araneta Coliseum.
KINGS GO 2-0
In the second game, crowd favorites Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings chalked up a 98-94 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters for their second win in as many games. The Painters dropped to 1-1 (win-loss).
Mark Caguioa fired 22 points, LA Tenorio scattered 20 markers as the Kings survived the hard-fighting Painters of coach Yeng Guiao.
Tenorio, the hero in the team’s 110-90 win over Global Port, once again saved the Kings by scoring six straight points in a crucial stretch in the end game.
Rain or Shine was led by Jeff Chan’s 25 points. Ronnie Matias added 14 and Gabe Norwood chipped in 11.
The Express stuck together when Batang Global rallied in the closing minutes.
The Express brought a 79-67 lead into the final two-minute zone but an 8-0 blast brought Batang Pier within 75-79 with 1:09 left.
Three free throws by Wynnie Arboleda and John Wilson stopped the bleeding for the Express, which restored an 82-75 lead with 39.9 seconds to go.
Willie Miller drilled in a three-pointer but Noy Baclao and John Wilson combined for four straight points that kept Air21 out of harm’s way.
Wilson scored 17 points, while Mark Isip and Niño Canaleta had 12 points each for the Express, who dropped a close 87-90 decision against the Barako Bull Energy last week.
Miller paced Batang Pier with 22 points as the veteran point guard remained winless with his new team, which dropped to 0-2.
BOX SCORES:
AIR 21 (88)- Wilson 17, Isip 12, Canaleta 12, Arboleda 9, Custodio 8, Sena 7, Omolon 6, Atkins 5, Taha 4, Baclao 4, Ritualo 4.
GLOBALPORT (81) – Miller 22, David 17, Deutchman 14, Manuel 9, Salvador 8, Lingganay 5, Mandani 2, Vanlandingham 2, Adducul 2, Raymundo 0, Guevarra 0.
QUARTERSCORES: 24-24, 41-39, 65-60, 88-81.
