Magnolia Beverage Masters Basketball Games Updates

Arwind Santos, Gary David Conspire in Endgame as Air21 Express Move Ahead 2-1

It's another heartbreaking loss for the Magnolia Beverage Masters after taking control for the most part of the duel but failied to finish off the Air21 Express in the last quarter.

It was a low-scoring ballgame, which should favor the team but it seems like their guards were a little down during the crucial stretch of the ballgame. The breaks of the basketball game may also favored the Express or wasn't it because of their hussle? Dynamite Danny Seigle's offensive presence was greatly felt in the fourth quarter when the team failed to counter the Express offensive thrust.

Do we still stand a chance against the Express? Well, the series is won in four games. I do hope that the Magnolia Beverage Masters wakes up in time to realize its mistakes in the past two battles and show its defensive jaggernaut in derailing the overachieving Air21 Express.

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AIR21 IN COME-FROM-BEHIND GAME 3 WIN OVER MAGNOLIA David, Santos conspire in endgame as Express move ahead 2-1

Source: Philippine Basketball Association
Saturday, 25 July 2008

ANTIPOLO CITY. – Last season’s multi-awarded Gary David provided the spark to lead the comeback while wingman Arwind Santos put the finishing touches as Air21 downed the Magnolia Beverage Masters, 82-78, in Gamme Three of the Smart-PBA Fiesta Cup semifinals Friday night at the Ynares Sports Center here.

Last season’s Most Improved Player and member of the Mythical Second and All-Defensive Teams, David scored 10 of his ballgame-high 17 points in a 10-2 run that featured back-to-back three-pointers, a jumper and two free throws that turned a 67-74 deficit to a 77-76 advantage with 2:03 remaining in the basketball gamme.

Then Santos, last season’s Rookie of the Year runner-up and member also of the All-Defensive Team, took over.

After Magnolia Beverage Masters import Amal McCaskill’s jumper hit the backboard that resulted in a 24-second shot clock violation, Santos nailed a big triple that gave them an 80-76 advantage with 1:19 left.

McCaskill made it a two-point basketball gamme with a pair of free throws off a foul by Air21 import Steven Thomas, 78-80.

However, following a missed jumper by Santos, Ranidel de Ocampo grabbed the loose ball to give his possession, paving the way for Santos being fouled by Danny Ildefonso which resulted in two free throws with 9.7 seconds remaining which pegged the final score.

“Now naiintindihan ko na what championship experience is all about,” Air21 mentor Bo Perasol said. “We don’t have that championship experience, but these kinds of playoff basketball gammes give us the experience in these situations.”

“We (coaching staff) already laid down the basketball gamme plan, alam na nila (players) kung ano ang gagawin. Importante na lang ‘yung kagustuhan and focus to win,” he added.

The Express now lead the Beverage Masters, 2-1, in semifinal series, a first time for the franchise to lead in a best-of-seven.

It was actually Air21’s fourth win in five basketball gammes this conference against the Magnolia Beverage Masters after sweeping the head-to-head meeting during the elimination round. They are also 4-0 with Steven Thomas in the line-up.

The Express also won Gamme Two, 103-102, with Thomas returning from the US after missing Gamme 1.

Forward Homer Se added 12, while Santos had 11 points and eight rebounds and playmaker Wynne Arboleda chipped in 11, seven boards and five assists.

Thomas, who missed the series opener last Sunday won by the Magnolia Beverage Masters (113-87), had nine points on 4-of-12 shooting with 11 rebounds, four assists and four blocked shots in 43 minutes.

“(Thomas’) presence gave his teammates the confidence. His intensity on both ends is really important,” Perasol.

Air21 tries to take a 3-1 lead in Gamme Four of the basketball showdown Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

“Next basketball gamme on Sunday is very important because a win will push us one victory away from moving to the Finals for the first time. I know they’ll come out strong, but we’ll be prepared,” Perasol said.

McCaskill led the Magnolia Beverage Masters with 16 points and 10 boards. (WG)

The scores:

Air21 82 – David 17, Se 12, Santos 11, Arboleda 11, Thomas 9, Canaleta 8, de Ocampo 7, Intal 5, Sotto 2, Cruz 0, Espinas 0, Billones 0.

Magnolia 78 – McCaskill 16, Tugade 15, Pena 12, Racela 9, Ildefonso 8, Pingris 7, Cortez 6, Hontiveros 5, Gonzales 0, Seigle 0.

Quarterscores: 17-24, 41-41, 57-62, 82-78.