Petron grounds Air21 in low scoring game

Game today

Naga City, Camarines Sur

6:30 p.m.- Globalport vs. San Mig Coffee

The Petron Blaze Boosters padded their winning run to four while handing the Air21 Express a fourth straight setback via a low-scoring 60-53 last night in the 38th PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

The two teams struggled to put the ball in the net as they barely eclipsed the lowest scoring game in league history that happened on July 18, 1999 when Pop Cola edged out Shell, 54-52.

Last night’s final tally was the fifth all-time lowest scoring game in league history, and lowest scoring game since Sta. Lucia defeated Purefoods, 54-53, on May 22, 2005.

The Boosters wound up with their lowest winning score in franchise history and sixth lowest overall in league history.

Renaldo Balkman erupted for a game-high 25 points and hauled down 13 rebounds as the Boosters moved up to solo second place with a 4-1 record (win-loss).

Arwind Santos added 11 points and 10 boards, his second double-double performance in the tournament. The lanky forward scored five points in a crucial run that allowed the Boosters to establish a sizable lead in the homestretch.

Air21 was just within 47-51 when Santos keyed a 6-1 run as Petron zoomed to a 57-48 lead in the final 3:30.

The current streak is Petron’s longest under head coach Olsen Racela.

Typifying Air21’s offensive struggle, only Michael Dunigan scored in twin digits with 15 points as the team fell to 1-4.

Air21’s total output was its lowest in a game since entering the league last season as Shopinas.com and matched the seventh all-time lowest output in a game since the league began in 1975.

BOX SCORES:

PETRON (60)- Balkman 25, Santos 11, Lassiter 7, Tubid 7, Miranda 6, Lanete 4.

AIR21 (53)- Dunigan 15, Custodio 8, Canaleta 8, Cortez 7, Isip 6, Wilson 5, Omolon 2, Arboleda 2.