Bangura finally gets Air21 over the hump

MANILA, Philippines - Alpha Bangura poured in 41 points and Air21 outlasted Rain or Shine in a close, tough battle, ending a four-game skid with a 94-92 decision last night in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Bangura scored seven clutch points at the finish to cap his explosive game, carrying the Express to a second win after a 92-87 upset of the San Miguel Beermen in their conference debut last Feb. 25.

It was actually the Express’ very first win in three games with Bangura and first in four outings with SMB recruits Dondon Hontiveros, Danny Seigle, Dorian Peña and Paul Artadi.

The four former Beermen had key contributions, helping the Express deal the Elasto Painters a third straight defeat following three consecutive victories.

Hontiveros tallied 18 points and nine rebounds, Seigle logged seven rebounds and six points, Artadi chipped in six rebounds, four assists, four steals and four points while Peña added seven rebounds and four points.

Hontiveros knocked in four triples and became only the fifth player to have made at least 300 treys after Allan Caidic, Ronnie Magsanoc, Al Solis and Jimmy Alapag.

Bangura, however, proved to be the biggest factor as he went 2-of-5 from beyond the arc, 13-of-25 from the two-point zone and 9-of-9 from the stripe to miss by two the conference-best output of 43 made by Meralco’s Champ Oguchi.

“It’s virtually a must-win game for us. We had no choice but to come out, play tough and win,” said Bangura, who took over from original import Jeremy Robinson.

“I guess, Bangura was finally able to dish out his natural game since he’s adjusted to the PBA games and with his teammates,” said Air21 coach Bong Ramos.

“The team, as a whole, has gotten over the hump, and hopefully we can get going, execute our plays and continue to win,” Ramos said.

The returning Air21 mentor was convinced they still have a good chance to make the quarterfinals as the team tied Powerade and B-MEG Derby Ace at sixth at 2-4.

In the nightcap, Barangay Ginebra relied on a strong windup to top San Miguel Beer, 106-94, and catch up with Alaska Milk at third place at 4-2.

 “This is the crucial stretch of the elims, and we knew we can’t afford an extra loss,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

“It’s achievable. It’s not impossible with the kind of personnel I have right now. The key is for the team to jell, have good chemistry and play good defense,” said Ramos whose troops will be up against Meralco, Powerade and Alaska Milk in their last three games.

Hontiveros’ last triple in the night sparked a decisive 10-3 run, giving the Express a 92-83 lead entering the final minute of the contest.

The Elasto Painters made it close at the finish as Doug Kramer and Gabe Norwood buried triples in the dying seconds.

Hassan Adams piled up 27 points and nine rebounds, Norwood added 16 points, four rebounds and four assists while Kramer chipped in 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Horrendous free throws by Larry Rodriguez in the homestretch opened opportunity for the Express to seize control. Rodriguez muffed five of six charities.