AIR 21 OUTLASTS ALASKA IN OVERTIME

Santos, de Ocampo provide heroics in Express’ 1st win
Philippine Basketball Association website
Sunday, 21 October 2007

Reigning Most Valuable Player Willie Miller had another monster game that went down the drain.

Willie Miller followed up his 35-point outing the last time with 33 negated by the combined endgame exploits of the Air21 frontliners.

Arwind Santos, Ranidel de Ocampo and Homer Se put together clutch plays leading the Express to a pulsating 102-101 overtime victory over the Aces Sunday night in the 2007-08 Smart PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

De Ocampo scored on a twisting short stab then Santos pulled down a big offensive rebound and nailed a charity in the waning seconds in extension play as the Express barged into the win-column after losing the season-opening game to the Magnolia Beverage Masters a week ago.

The Aces had a chance to force a second overtime while down by three at 99-102 with six seconds left to play. Alas, they failed to set up a three-point shot, forced to go for a twinner courtesy of Miller for the final count.

Alaska also had the opportunity to win the game in regulation play but Mike Cortez missed a three-point attempt at the buzzer.

The Express quickly seized control in overtime on two free throws by KG Canaleta and a three-point play by Santos.

After the Aces drew even for the last time at 99-all, De Ocampo, who had big booboos early on, redeemed himself with a crucial stab to push the Express ahead with 17.6 ticks left.

Jeffrey Cariaso missed a three-point attempt in the ensuing play then Santos grabbed the rebound and gained a trip to the line on a quick foul by John Ferriols. Santos made it 102-99 as he split his foul shots.

"Kulang kami talaga sa talent kaya hirap manalo. We have to work harder dahil kahit lamang na ng medyo malaki, nawawala pa," said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.

"We have no other choice but to get a win through defense. We need a lot of patience. If we fail to make the stop on a press, kailangan hindi kami mag-give up in a halfcourt defense. That’s the only way to do it," Perasol added.

The Express did a good job defensively early on, limiting the Aces to 38 points while making 43 of
their own in the first 24 minutes of play.

Offensively, Santos and De Ocampo stood at the fore for the team, ending up with a combined output of 38 points. Se added 17 and Jec Chia contributed 14.

Miller made a game-high 33 points on 12-of-22 shooting from the field and 8-of-11 marksmanship from the stripe.

The two-time MVP winner had a career-high 35 in losing cause against Talk n Text Wednesday. (NC)

Second Game
Air21 102 – Santos 19, De Ocampo 19, Se 17, Chia 14, Dimaunahan 7, Arboleda 6, Kramer 5, Canaleta 5, Cruz 4, Sotto 4, Intal 2, Baluyot 0.
Alaska 101 – Miller 33, Cariaso 20, Thoss 13, Cortez
11, Ferriols 10, Laure 6, Quinahan 4, Bono 2, Hugnatan 2, Dela Cruz 0.
Quarterscores: 23-22, 43-38, 65-64, 92-92 (reg.), 102-101 (OT)