2012 PBA Philippine Cup Roundup: November 9, 2012

Mike Cortez flashed fine form as he reunited
with his college coach, Franz Pumaren.

Coach Franz Pumaren was right on the money with Mike Cortez. The mentor and his former ward reunited and it was like old times again. Cortez orchestrated Pumaren’s offense with aplomb as the Air 21 Express escaped the Barako Bull Energy Colas.

Cortez was reminiscent of dominant college self here. The former Green Archer scorched the nets for 24 points to go along with 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals in 24 minutes of play. Before this game, Cortez languished on the bench of the stacked Ginebra Gin Kings, averaging only 3.5ppg, 2.7rpg, in 1.5apg in under 15 minutes per outing (a career-low). Of course, it probably also didn’t help that he was playing behind former UAAP rival LA Tenorio.

Now things should be on the up and up for Cortez, Pumaren, and the rest of the Express.

Game Recaps:

AIR 21 EXPRESS over BARAKO BULL ENERGY COLAS, 86-85

Reunited with his old college coach, Mike Cortez looked like the player from a decade ago who was picked first overall in the 2003 PBA draft.

In his first game for Air 21, the Cool Cat dropped 24 points, six rebounds, six assists, and five steals in just 24 minutes to lead the Express to a pulsating 86-85 victory over Barako Bull Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Cortez saved the best for last, scoring the final five points of the game to carry the Express to their third victory in eight games.

“There’s no better script than seeing Mike Cortez taking over,” said Air 21 coach Franz Pumaren, who coached Cortez at La Salle.

“This is what I’ve been stressing before and we’ve found solution by getting Mike, who gave us stability, particularly in the endgame.”

Barako Bull still led, 85-81, with 1:16 left on a layup by Enrico Villanueva. But Cortez responded with a three-pointer to cut the lead to a single point in the ensuing possession.

Villanueva drove to the basket in the next play, but turned the ball over after hurting his knee. The Barako Bull center came out of the game nursing what looked like a serious injury.

Cortez capped his brilliant performance with a stepback jumper with 58.1 seconds left to give the lead to Air 21, which held its ground on defense in the next two Barako Bull possessions to book the win.

Five other players also finished in double figures for the Express. James Sena and Mark isip contributed 12 points apiece John Wilson and KG Canaleta each tallied 11, and Bonbon Custodio chipped in 10 in a display of balanced firepower by the Express.

Barako Bull’s win-loss record fell to 3-6.

A21 86 – Cortez 24, Sena 12, Isip 12, Wilson 11, Canaleta 11, Custodio 10, Arboleda 4, Baclao 2, Escobal 0, Reyes 0, Omolon 0, Ritualo 0

BAR 85 – Tubid 24, Pennisi 15, Urbiztondo 14, Anthony 13, Villanueva 13, Najorda 3, Marcelo 2, Kramer 1, Alvarez 0, Yap 0

QS: 18-19, 38-44, 67-67, 86-85

James Sena hoits one over Mick Pennisi.

Ronald Tubid fades away over Wynne Arboleda.

Sean Anthony tries to drive strong against Niño Cañaleta.

BGY. GINEBRA GIN KINGS over GLOBAL PORT BATANG PIER, 81-79

Barangay Ginebra San Miguel finally snapped its five-game losing streak, but not before weathering a 21-point fourth quarter explosion by the returning Gary David.

The Gin Kings went home victors for the first time in more than a month, defeating GlobalPort, 81-79, Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Mark Caguioa had 19 points, four assists, and three steals to lead Ginebra.

“I don’t want the fans to be disappointed,” said Caguioa, who said he understood Ginebra supporters’ gripes in a halftime interview.

GlobalPort had two chances to tie the score late in the game. But the Gin Kings denied David the ball in the last two possessions, and Willie Miller missed a shot and committed a turnover to squander those opportunities.

“We’re grateful for this victory, but it’s still a long way to go for us,” said Ginebra coach Siot Tanquingcen. “We hope to build on this hopefully. It’s really a process right now, admittedly after first two games, malaki yung hype, somehow nawala kami sa focus. We want to regain it.”

Caguioa had plenty of help, as Tenorio and Elmer Espiritu added 14 and 12 points, respectively. Tenorio and Helterbrand combined for nine points during a key stretch in the fourth period to keep GlobalPort at bay.

David finished with 27 points, all scored in the second half. Willie Miller added 18 points.

Newly-acquired rookie center Yousef Taha, who was acquired in a trade for Mike Cortez, did not see action for the Gin Kings.

Ginebra improved its win-loss record to 3-5, while GlobalPort remained in the cellar with a 1-8 slate.

GIN 81 – Caguioa 19, Tenorio 14, Espiritu 12, Wilson 9, Mamaril 8, Helterbrand 8, Ellis 6, Maierhofer 3, Hatfield 2, Jensen 0, Labagala 0, Raymundo 0

GLO 79 – David 27, Miller 18, Deutchman 8, Lingganay 7, Guevarra 7, Yee 4, Vergara 4, Salvador 2, Adducul 2, Manuel 0, Mandani 0, Al-Hussaini 0, Antonio 0

QS: 17-20, 28-33, 52-56, 81-79