Canaleta shoots nine triples as Air21 claims eighth seat

Games today (MOA Arena)

4:15 p.m. – Globalport vs Barako Bull

6:30 p.m. – Ginebra vs Talk n Text

MANILA, Philippines - KG Canaleta sizzled with nine triples and a total of 37 points and the whole Air21 team put up an incredible effort, charging back from a 17-point deficit and upending Petron Blaze, 95-91, in overtime to clinch the eighth and last quarterfinals slot in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City last night.

Canaleta and his teammates simply refused to lose this important match, winning it in the end to complete the quarters roster joining Alaska Milk, Rain or Shine, their victim Petron, Barangay Ginebra, Meralco, San Mig Coffee and Talk n Text.

As they ended their elims stint with a 6-8 win-loss card, the Express closed the quarters door on the Barako Bull Energy Cola (4-9).

Air21 also ended the battle for the Top Two, handing Rain or Shine the second spot as the Express dealt the Boosters a sixth loss against seven wins.

Thus, the Aces and the Elasto Painters will be the two teams enjoying twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.

The middle-of-the-pack teams were left to dispute slots in the two best-of-three quarterfinals series.

Philippine Cup three-peat titlist Talk n Text and crowd darling Barangay Ginebra pursue their bids for the Top Six in a crucial showdown at 6:30 p.m. tonight in the same venue.

Batang Pier and Globalport meet in a non-bearing match earlier at 4:15 p.m.

“Big win for us and we’re able to survive,” said jubilant Air21 coach Franz Pumaren after the game they won even in the absence of injured ace playmaker Mike Cortez (averaging 10 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.8 steals).

The whole Air21 team stepped up, including import Michael Dunigan who imposed his tremendous power at the paint despite an injured knee.

Later in the night, San Mig Coffee continued to buck health woes and secured a spot in the best-of-three quarters following a 97-90 win over Meralco.