Air21 survives Ginebra as Rodgers ride the bench

MANILA, Philippines -- Air21 again squandered a double-digit but this time, recovered in the end to fend off Brgy. Ginebra, 97-95, Wednesday night in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Air21 had to scramble for the win as Ginebra decided to field a cold Leon Rodgers, who missed a potential game-tying drive at the buzzer.

The Express went to the fourth ahead by 10, 80-70, but the Kings stormed back on a 10-2 run with Rodgers riding the bench.

The Kings last threatened at 96-93 on Jayjay Helterbrand's three-pointer but survived even with Joseph Yeo bungling two free throws and import Wesley Witherspoon turning the ball over and splitting his own charities.

Witherspoon led all scorers with 25 points after debuting in style with 44 in a losing effort. Yeo and Mac Cardona added 18 and 15, respectively.

It appeared the ineffective Rodgers has played his last game in the Kings' uniform finishing with only 18 points and getting benched for the most of the fourth period where the locals carried the Kings' spirited comeback. It also didn't help that Kings lost Mark Caguioa after falling down hard in the third quarter.

Brgy. Ginebra won't play until April 2 giving them ample time to search for a replacement import.

Air21 recovered from a stinging 11-point loss to Meralco last Sunday squandering a 20-point lead in the last 10 minutes.

The Kings sputtered to a second straight loss and moved down the standings with 2-4 record while the Express improved to 3-3.

In the curtain-raiser, Rain or Shine arrest its skid taking advantage of an ailing Meralco import Brian Butch to fashion out a 96-79 victory.

Butch has to be rushed to the hospital after he vommitted during the game complaining of stomach crumps.

Jeff Chan snapped out his scoring funk with 21 points while import Alexander McLean delivered 23 points and 16 rebounds in what could be his farewell game as his replacement Wayne Chism is scheduled to arrive on Thursday.

The Elasto Painters improved to 2-3 while the Bolts remained at the middle of the pack with their third loss in six games.