Fighting for survival

MANILA—Cellar dwellers Air 21 and Globalport seek their second win when they face separate foes in the elimination round of the 36th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum today.

The Express, who are bearing a 1-4 slate, collide against Alaska in the opening game at 5:15 p.m. while Globalport, which also has just one win, takes the slumping Petron Blaze at 7:30 p.m.

Incidentally, Globalport’s lone win was at the expense of Meralco, 105-104, courtesy of two-time MVP Willie Miller who fired 33 points and hauled down 11 rebounds plus three assists and one steal in 44 minutes of action last Oct. 17.

Rookie Jason Deutchman provided the much needed support to Miller that night with 20 points, nine rebounds, two steals and two blocks in just 27 minutes of play in the absence of ace shooter Gary David due to injury.

Coach Glenn Capacio of Batang Pier, however, said it’s going to be tough facing the Blaze Boosters, who have a 2-3 card despite a strong line-up that was boosted with the reacquisition of Dorian Pena and Chico Lañete.

After Arwind Santos expressed sentiment over his teammates “lack of heart,” the Blaze Boosters snapped a two-game losing slump by escaping with a 98-95 win over sister team Ginebra last Sunday.

The 6’4” guard Santos, a second overall pick by Air 21 in 2006, worked hard along with Alex Cabagnot, Chris Lutz and Joseph Yeo to pull off with the big win. They combined for 81 points, 27 rebounds and 16 assists to secure their second win, which new coach Olsen Racela hopes to be the starting point towards their quest for the title.