Another express delivery for Air21

People's Journal
October 1, 2007

THE Air21 Express bounce back from a stinging loss to Samsung of Korea in their second match, as they vented their ire against the taller and heftier Lioning Panpan of China, 99-83 to stay in contention in the 2007 Grand Waldo-Asian Basketball Association Basketball Championship in Dongguan City, Shenzhen, China.

Relying on their speed and tireless defense, the Express took away the edge in ceiling of Lioning, which was reinforced by American imports 6-foot-10 Ernest Brown and 6-foot-9 Patrick Dewayne.

Defying taller guards, KG Canaleta led the Express with 23 points, while Arwind Santos added 18 and import Shawn Daniels had 17.

Ranidell de Ocampo chipped in 15 and Jec Chia had nine.

It was Air21’s second victory in three starts, putting them behind Samsung, which totes a perfect 3-0 card.

The Filipinos are currently tied with Iran All-Stars for second to third places at 2-1 (win-loss) records.

Air21’s victory earned praise from Lioning coach Zhaoshan Han, who said the Express “run the pressing defense very well.”

The Express, whose trip here is partly bankrolled by Mighty Filter Kings, Federal Tyres and Burlington Socks, next tackles the Iran All-Stars, which have five national team mainstays on its roster.

The Iranians also boast of a 7-foot-5 and a seven-footer in their line-up, although Air21 coach Bo Perasol said the Express are now used to playing against taller players.

“We don’t’ really mind if we play against taller teams. Nasanay na rin ‘yung mga players, kasi lahat naman ng kalaban namin dito, malalaki talaga,” said Perasol, who is assisted here by Johny Tam and Ching Marcelino. “Hopefully, gumana uli ‘yung perssing defense namin.”

Lioning import Patrick Dewayne Simpson led the Chinese squad with 20 points, while Wei Lu and Qiang Bian added 14 each, and Xiangtao Liu chipped in 13.