2012 PBA Philippine Cup Roundup: October 7, 2012

John Wilson stepped up to help the Express get their
first win in the 2012 PBA Philippine Cup.

Coach Franz Pumaren finally tasted an All-Filipino victory in the PBA, while the Kings played headier in the dying moments of their game against the Painters to emerge victorious for the second time so far.

Two former NCAA players did well for Air 21. JRU’s John Wilson top-scored for his club, while former Mapua Red Cardinal Yousef Taha grabbed a dozen boards. They could form a powerful young combo for years to come.

Gabe Norwood was tagged with a crucial loose-ball foul in the final minute of play, which paved the way for Ginebra to extend its slim lead and eventually solidify their second win in as many outings. Rain or Shine, in contrast, falls to 1-win and 1-loss.

AIR 21 EXPRESS over GLOBAL PORT BATANG PIER, 88-81

Air 21 and coach Franz Pumaren finally nailed its first win in the PBA Philippine Cup.

After going 0-14 in last season’s all-Filipino tournament when the franchise was still known as Shopinas.com, Pumaren and his Express finally experienced victory in the season-opening conference after beating GlobalPort, 88-81, Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

But Air 21 had to survive some scary moments before securing its first win in two games while handing the Batang Pier their second loss in a row.

“We made a lot of mental lapses till the very end. It’s a sign that we’re still in the stage where everybody is still adjusting to each other,” said Express head coach Franz Pumaren.

“This is entirely a new team. We’re lucky that GlobalPort is also still in getting to know stage,” he added.

John Wilson came off the bench and scored 17 points to lead Air 21, while Mark Isip and Nino Canaleta added 12 apiece.

Rookie Yousef Taha was also impressive for the Express with 12 rebounds and three steals in 29 minutes of play.

Two-time Most Valuable Willie Miller led all scorers with 22 points for GlobalPort while Gary David added 17. But Miller and David combined for 2-of-15 shooting behind the three-point line.

Batang Pier coach Glenn Capacio did not field in Rabeh Al-Hussaini in the game though the former Ateneo center was fit to play.

Air 21 threatened to pull away after Wynne Arboleda scored on a lay-up to give the Express a 77-65 spread with 5:43 remaining in the game.

But the Express stumbled to a series of turnovers that allowed GlobalPort to close the gap to just four points, 79-75, with 1:09 left.

The Express then sank the needed free throws while Miller and David misfired with their three-point attempts. This allowed Air 21 to escape with the shaky win and bounce back from a 90-87 loss to Barako Bull last Wednesday.

“At least the players are getting used to playing close games,” said Pumaren.

A21 88 – Wilson 17, Isip 12, Canaleta 12, Arboleda 9, Custodio 8, Sena 7, Omolon 6, Atkins 5, Taha 4, Baclao 4, Ritualo 4

GLO 81 – Miller 22, David 17, Deutchman 14, Manuel 9, Salvador 8, Lingganay 5, Mandani 2, Vanlandingham 2, Adducul 2, Raymundo 0, Guevarra 0

QS: 24-24, 41-39, 65-60, 88-81

Rudy Lingganay collides with Yousef Taha.

Willie Miller flashes a sarcastic smile.

BGY. GINEBRA KINGS over RAIN OR SHINE ELASTO-PAINTERS, 98-94

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel just had too many weapons in its arsenal.

The Gin Kings hit one big shot after another to come away with a thrilling 98-94 win over Rain or Shine to seize the solo lead of the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

Kerby Raymundo, Mark Caguioa, and LA Tenorio took turns carrying the scoring load for Ginebra in the final quarter to deal the Elasto Painters their first loss in the tournament.

Caguioa finished with a team-high 22 points while Tenorio bounced back from a two-point game in his debut and tallied 20 points.

Raymundo had nine of his 12 points in the frenetic fourth period as both teams exchanged runs.

“We’re happy we’re able to squeeze the game. We didn’t play well,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen.

“But it’s a good win for us especially against one of the top teams like Rain or Shine na very fluid na maglaro.”

Caguioa banged in a three-pointer to tie count at 90-all with 2:49 remaining. Rico Maierhofer then followed up an airball attempt by LA Tenorio, who later added a free throw to give Ginebra a 93-90 lead.

Rain or Shine scored four quick points on a drive by Ibanes and a follow-up by Norwood to take a slim 94-93 lead.

Tenorio again came to the rescue with a short jumper, before a questionable foul call on Norwood led to Tenorio’s two free throws gave Ginebra a 97-94 lead with 16.5 seconds left.

Chan’s three-pointer missed the target in the next play, allowing the Kings stayed unbeaten after two games.

“Kailangan pa namin maging consistent and it will come. We have really not jelled as a team,” said Tanquingcen.

Jeff Chan led all scorers with 25 points for the Elasto Painters.

GIN 98 – Caguioa 22, Tenorio 20, Maierhofer 12, Raymundo 12, Maliksi 9, Wilson 6, Mamaril 6, Cortez 5, Ellis 2, Jensen 2, Helterbrand 2, Hatfield 0

ROS 94 – Chan 25, Matias 14, Norwood 11, Rodriguez 10, Cruz 7, Belga 7, Tang 6, Ibanes 6, Quinahan 5, Arana 3

QS: 30-30, 46-49, 69-67, 98-94