source: mb.com.ph
MANILA, Philippines – Using a sizzling third quarter run, Air21 overhauled an early 18-point deficit before hanging tough in the end to beat Alaska, 97-94, in the do-or-die Game 3 of their quarterfinal series and clinch a semifinal slot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Araneta Coliseum.
Josh Urbiztondo, a back-up point guard, starred in that amazing third quarter rally, where the Express unleashed a franchise-best 46 points that gave them an 84-71 lead entering the fourth period after trailing 38-51 at the half.
Urbiztondo dropped 14 of his 17 points that stretch which he punctuated with four straight treys that electrified the Air21 supporters no end.
Import Alpha Bangura also came through with a solid performance as he scattered 28 points while Dondon Hontiveros, one of four players Air21 obtained from San Miguel Beer in a trade this conference, added 24.
By winning the best-of-three series, 2-1, the Bert Lina-owned franchise moved to the semifinals for only the fifth time in team history.
The Express will face Philippine Cup champion and top seed Talk ’N Text in a best-of-five semis showdown at the Araneta Coliseum starting Friday.
Air21 fell behind by 18 points, 26-44, with four minutes left in the second period.
But the Express rallied behind Bangura and Hontiveros, who combined for 23 points in the third quarter.
Then Urbiztondo, known as a streak-shooter, joined the shoot-fest with his four triples – the last came at the buzzer to end the period.
Air21 shot 16-of-23 (69.9%) in the third period, while Alaska went 6-of-14 (42.9%).
The Scores:
First Game
AIR21 97 — Bangura 28, Hontiveros 24, Urbiztondo 17, Seigle 14, Arboleda 6, Reyes 3, Pena 3, Najorda 2, Juntilla 0, Sharma 0, Artadi 0, Avenido 0.
ALASKA 94 — Williams 26, Tenorio 19, Baguio 15, Thoss 14, De Vance 12, Eman 6, Borboran 2, Custodio 0, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarters: 14-21, 38-51, 84-71, 97-94.
source: mb.com.ph
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