Express hang on to make quarters

Airfreight 2100/FedEx outmanuevered RP Hapee at crunchtime to pull off a 75-71 decision that formalized its entry into the Samsung PBA Governors Cup quarterfinals last night at the Makati Coliseum.

Jarmaine Walker came up with a second straight 37-point outing, but the Express still needed to work as one cohesive unit at endgame to overcome the tough challenge of the national hopefuls, nailing the victory that assured them a spot in the next phase of the tourney.

Stretching its winning streak to three games and improving its slate to 6-4, FedEx not only guaranteed itself of a quarters seat but also boosted its hopes for a twice-to-beat edge in the next round.

RP Hapee, on the other hand, moved on the brink of elimination with its fourth straight loss and sixth in 10 games overall.

"We knew our situation and we also knew it was a big game for RP Hapee. We got the crucial win and I like our chances right now for the twice-to-beat although we’ll be up against the league’s hottest team in our last game," said FedEx coach Derrick Pumaren.

FedEx came out of a three-way tie for fourth place with Red Bull and Sta. Lucia after its vital win over RP Hapee. The rookie ballclub gains a crack at the twice-to-beat incentive if it beats league-leader Talk N Text on April 20.

Pumaren felt the long respite would give them time to recover from injuries. He said: "By that time Dindo (Pumaren) and Danny Capobres are already fit to play."

Pumaren and Capobres sat out the FedEx-RP Hapee duel because of injuries but the Express still played tough with Walker leading their charge, piling up 37 points, 10 rebounds and two assists. Tim Moore added 14 points and 17 rebounds.

No local FedEx players scored in double figures but they made their presence felt, particularly Bong Alvarez, Jerry Codiñera and Wynne Arboleda in the homestretch.

Codiñera made his lone basket on an assist by Alvarez following a defensive gem by Arboleda on Johnny Abarrientos with time down to 1:25 as the Express shattered a 71-all deadlock.

In the next play, Alvarez blocked a potential game-tying shot by Jeffrey Cariaso. And after Abarrientos missed a hurried three-point attempt, Walker settled the outcome of the game with a fadeaway off Davonn Harp.

It was another sorry loss for the national hopefuls who got off to a strong start only to break down, going scoreless in the last three minutes of play.