Saturday, August 09, 2008 Air21 routs Ginebra to level finals
MANILA - Air21 delivered what is perceive to be a coup de grace for Barangay Ginebra with a 124-90 win yesterday to send the best-of-seven championship series back to square one, 1-1, in the 2008 Smart-PBA Fiesta Conference at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.
After taking a 45-58 advantage at the half, the Express threw a searing running game to outscore the Kings, 34-18, in the third period en route to posting a commanding 87-55 lead with plenty of time to spare.
The Kings, who won the first game, 105-96, last Wednesday, failed to regain composure and were seemed helpless as the Express took complete control of the match.
Coach Bo Perasol said that with the victory, the most lopsided so far in the conference, the Express now have the momentum when they face the Kings in the third game on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
So amazing were the Express the whole night that 12 players made it to the scoring chart, with six of them finishing in double digits.
Arwind Santos and Gary David led the Exress with 20 points apiece, followed by JC Intal and Egay Billiones with 11 each. Both Steven Thomas and Homer Se finished with 10 apiece.
Only Caguioa showed enough firepower for the Kings by scoring 29 points and 11 for Sunday Salvacion.
Meanwhile, Ginebra’s Jay-Jay Helterbrand beat teammate Caguioa for the “Best Player of the Conference” honor, while the 7’0 Chris Alexander was named the “Best Import” in a fitting ceremonies held before the game. (FCC)
