(From PBA)
ANTIPOLO CITY. – Freshman Ronnie Matias scored 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter as Air21 held off Barako Energy Coffee, 113-108, Sunday behind a sterling effort by its reserves at the Ynares Center.
Air21’s bench accounted for 64 of the team’s total points even as Ronjay Buenafe delivered the killer blow – a three-pointer from right corner with 4:09 remaining.
The shot the snapped the momentum of the Coffee Masters, who had pulled within 98-99 on a trey by Rob Wainwright, 23 seconds earlier.
“That was what we lacked on this team last conference,” said Guiao referring to his reserves. “But I guess we’re slowly showing improvement with our new recruits.”
Air21 import Keena Young had another double-double effort with 25 points and 16 rebounds, as the Express bounced back from Wednesday’s debut in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference against San Miguel Beer.
The Express, which finished ninth in the Philippine Cup, controlled the tempo for most part of the game but briefly lost its rhythm early in the fourth as they defended with the zone.
“Barako gave us a tough game. As much as I don’t want to play zone, I felt we have to stop their import,” said Guiao.
Barako’s import Sam Monroe scored 21 of his 36 points in the second half but couldn’t do anything to prevent the Coffee Masters from picking up their second straight loss in three games.
During the post game interview, Guiao readily acknowledge the efforts of Matias and Mike Cortez – two players whom he said will be key in the Express’ campaign this conference.
“Ronnie is getting into his own. He is becoming a steady presence in the fourth quarter and that’s good news for us,” Guiao said.
“As for Mike, he provides us with veteran presence at the backcourt, something that we missed when we lost Wynne (Arboleda).”
Barako Coffee’s reserves also had big games. Wainwright scored 16 points, Yousif Aljamal added 13 and Aris Dimaunahan had 12. But the Coffee Masters’ poor shooting and erratic finish cost them the game.
The Coffee Masters shot just 43 percent and went 9 of 26 in the fourth. They also shot poorly from the line going 19 for 32. (DBC)
The scores:
Air21 113 - Young 25, Matias 18, Cortez 15, Buenafe 13, Ritualo 13, Billones 9, Sharma 6, Kramer 4, Gonzales 3, Williams 2, Belga 2, Alvarez 2, Yee 1.
Barako Coffee 108 - Monroe 36, Wainwright 16, Aljamal 13, Dimaunahan 12, Duncil 10, Gaco 9, Najorda 8, Menor 2, Hubalde 2, Faundo 0, Vergara 0.
Quarterscores: 30-28, 55-52, 84-79, 113-108.
ANTIPOLO CITY. – Freshman Ronnie Matias scored 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter as Air21 held off Barako Energy Coffee, 113-108, Sunday behind a sterling effort by its reserves at the Ynares Center.
Air21’s bench accounted for 64 of the team’s total points even as Ronjay Buenafe delivered the killer blow – a three-pointer from right corner with 4:09 remaining.
The shot the snapped the momentum of the Coffee Masters, who had pulled within 98-99 on a trey by Rob Wainwright, 23 seconds earlier.
“That was what we lacked on this team last conference,” said Guiao referring to his reserves. “But I guess we’re slowly showing improvement with our new recruits.”
Air21 import Keena Young had another double-double effort with 25 points and 16 rebounds, as the Express bounced back from Wednesday’s debut in the 2010 PBA Fiesta Conference against San Miguel Beer.
The Express, which finished ninth in the Philippine Cup, controlled the tempo for most part of the game but briefly lost its rhythm early in the fourth as they defended with the zone.
“Barako gave us a tough game. As much as I don’t want to play zone, I felt we have to stop their import,” said Guiao.
Barako’s import Sam Monroe scored 21 of his 36 points in the second half but couldn’t do anything to prevent the Coffee Masters from picking up their second straight loss in three games.
During the post game interview, Guiao readily acknowledge the efforts of Matias and Mike Cortez – two players whom he said will be key in the Express’ campaign this conference.
“Ronnie is getting into his own. He is becoming a steady presence in the fourth quarter and that’s good news for us,” Guiao said.
“As for Mike, he provides us with veteran presence at the backcourt, something that we missed when we lost Wynne (Arboleda).”
Barako Coffee’s reserves also had big games. Wainwright scored 16 points, Yousif Aljamal added 13 and Aris Dimaunahan had 12. But the Coffee Masters’ poor shooting and erratic finish cost them the game.
The Coffee Masters shot just 43 percent and went 9 of 26 in the fourth. They also shot poorly from the line going 19 for 32. (DBC)
The scores:
Air21 113 - Young 25, Matias 18, Cortez 15, Buenafe 13, Ritualo 13, Billones 9, Sharma 6, Kramer 4, Gonzales 3, Williams 2, Belga 2, Alvarez 2, Yee 1.
Barako Coffee 108 - Monroe 36, Wainwright 16, Aljamal 13, Dimaunahan 12, Duncil 10, Gaco 9, Najorda 8, Menor 2, Hubalde 2, Faundo 0, Vergara 0.
Quarterscores: 30-28, 55-52, 84-79, 113-108.
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