PBA: Express stay in contention for playoff

source: gma

The Air21 Express stayed very much on course towards clinching the remaining playoff berth in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Danny Seigle, Alpha Bangura, Dondon Hontiveros and Josh Urbiztondo keyed a game-turning run in the final four minutes of play to spoil the Powerade Tigers’ upset bid, 108-98, Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Bangura topscored for 32 points, Seigle had his second straight double-double game of 23 points and 12 rebounds, and Hontiveros and Urbiztondo contributed 17 and 10, respectively, in Air21’s fourth win in eight outings.

The Express can formally advance to the next round and deny Derby Ace a playoff spot should they beat the Alaska Aces in their game on Wednesday.

The Llamados capped their elimination round campaign with a 4-5 (win-loss) card.

“Nilagay kami ng Diyos sa ganitong sitwasyon, and we will try our best na makapasok sa next round," said Express coach Bong Ramos. “Nanduon ang pressure. We’re the only team right now na may bearing ang mga laro."

The cast of quarterfinalists was almost completed Friday night when Talk `N Text defeated Derby Ace, 107-102, paving the way for Alaska, Barangay Ginebra and Rain or Shine to get to the next round.

The Tropang Texters and guest team Smart Gilas already clinched the two outright berths in the semifinals.

Seigle, part of the huge trade between the Express and the San Miguel Beermen, scored eight points in the decisive fourth period when Air21 battled back from an 83-88 deficit.

The 34-year-old forward was 10-of-19 from the field and had two assists and two blocks.

“I just love going out there and making a big impact in any way I can," said Seigle. “I love to compete and I love winning. I have a bigger role here (Air21), not only in scoring."

Seigle highlighted a telling 14-2 Express run with an emphatic dunk as Air21 ran off to a 103-93 lead with 1:25 left to play after trailing 89-91.

It was Urbiztondo who actually triggered that binge with a three-point shot, before adding another at the 2:42 mark for a 99-93 Air21 lead.

“Basketball is a game of momentum. Isang pagkakamali lang, mag-iiba ang takbo," said Ramos. “Hopefully we continue to jell. The chemistry is already there."

Import Martin Zeno went 12-of-24 from the field to finish with 37 points for Powerade, which ended its campaign with a 2-7 record.

Finishing ninth place in the Philippine Cup, the Tigers will now be entitled to field the tallest import of at least 6-foot-6 in the Governors’ Cup, thanks to the league’s handicapping system.

source: gma