From a remarkable performance to another impressive outing, Air21 now finds itself with a 2-1 series lead against crowd-favorite Barangay Ginebra.This after the Express clawed its way back with a fourth-quarter attack, surprising the Gin Kings with a 97-87 win in Game Three of the PBA Fiesta Cup Finals at the Araneta Coliseum. Coming off a resounding 124-90 triumph in Game Two, the Express appeared sluggish at the start but came alive in the final canto en route to a crucial 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series. Gary David, import Steven Thomas, Niño Canaleta and Wynnie Arboleda churned out stellar performances for the Express, who have now overtaken the Gin Kings after losing Game One, 96-105. Thomas piled up 20 points, 20 rebounds and three assists, while Alexander was just good for 14 points and 17 rebounds.
David rifled a game-high 25 points, while Canaleta tallied 17 points on a hot five-for-five shooting from the three-point field.
Arboleda scored just 12 points but did a masterful of job in orchestrating the Express' offense especially when the Kings threatened to pull away in the early periods.
Mark Caguioa scored 21 points, Eric Menk pitched in 17, while Sunday Salvacion scattered 16 points but their big efforts still failed to fill the void vacated by marquee playmaker Jay-jay Helterbrand.
Helterbrand failed to suit up due to a foot injury he sustained in Game Two. The Kings now have lost their last two games after completing a franchise-best 13-game win streak. BOX SCORES:
AIR21 (97)– David 25, Thomas 20, Canaleta 17, Arboleda 12, de Ocampo 9, Se 4, Kramer 0, Cruz 0, Intal 0, Sotto 0.
GINEBRA (87)- Caguioa 21, Menk 17, Salvacion 16, Alexander 14, Artadi 8, Valenzuela 7, Pacana 4, Mamaril 0, Reavis 0.
QUARTERSCORES: 22-30, 46-50, 66-68, 97-86. |
