Wednesday, August 11, 2010

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Posted by Eleuterio Manipis | Wednesday, August 11, 2010 | Category: | 0 comments

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Forte shows promising sign for Express despite loss

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New import Jason Forte wasn’t impressive in his debut but showed some signs that he can carry the Air21 Express to new heights this 35th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference.
Forte was good only for 10 points in the first three quarters but scored 10 straight points in the fourth period for 20 points although the Express suffered their third straight loss against the Alaska Aces, 95-105, on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
“We have to let it go and start a brand new day,” said Forte, a veteran of some European leagues, after the loss. “We just need to work hard Sunday and win. I’m confident I can still adjust to your system.”
Forte also had 14 rebounds along with two assists, a steal and a block.
Ronjay Buenafe scattered with 19 points on 3-of-5 shooting beyond the arc and Mike Cortez had 11 points, while Beau Belga and Egay Billiones also got 10 points each to lead the Express, who fell to 1-4 log.
Diamon Simpson led Alaska with 29 points and 14 rebounds with three blocks.
The game went close at the first three quarters and even around the last four-minute mark but Alaska’s triangle offense prevailed in the end for the Aces’ first win after three games.
Individual Scores:
Alaska 105 - Simpson 29, Thoss 16, Dela Cruz 15, Miller 15, Tenorio 10, Cabalay 9, De Vance 6, Fonacier 5, Eman 0, Hugnatan 0.

Air 21 95 - Forte 20, Buenafe 19, Cortez 11, Belga 10, Billones 10, Matias 9, Ritualo 7, Gonzales 5, Rodriguez 2, Alvarez 2, Williams 0, Kramer 0, Sharma 0.

Quarter Scores: 18-23, 49-41, 73-70, 105-95.

Express bow to Derby Ace’s steady offensive game

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IT was another steady game for Ronjay Buenafe but another loss to the Express on the early stage of 35th PBA Fiesta Conference.
The 6-foot-2 flamboyant guard Buenafe, who averaged 13.3 points per game in the last three games, led the Air21 Express with 14 points, but his efforts were not enough to pull-out from a 75-92 decision against the Derby Aces Llamados on Friday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Derby Aces import Lorenzo Wade outplayed Express import Keena Young with 29 points along with 11 rebounds and two blocks, while Llamdos James Yap, Roger Yap and KG Canaleta had 15, 14 and 12 points, respectively.
Young, who only limited to 13 points and 12 rebounds, is now under evaluation from the coaching staff if he would stay or be replaced.
Gunner Renren Ritualo had 12 points, while Egay Billiones scored nine and Mike Cortez finished with eight points for the Express, who received two straight losses for 1-3 win-loss slate.
Derby Aces is now 2-0.
After an awful 32 errors against Coca-Cola, Air21 remained high in turnovers after committing 27. Derby Ace also out-rebounded Air21, 52-36.
The Express trailed the rest of the game and couldn’t get as close as four points all-throughout the 48 minutes.
Individual Scores:
Derby Ace 92 - Wade 29, Yap J. 15, Yap R. 14, Canaleta 12, Artadi 7, Pingris 6, Simon 4, Maierhofer 2, Revis 2, Allado 1, Salvador 0.

Air 21 75 - Buenafe 14, Young 13, Ritualo 12, Billones 9, Cortez 8, Sharma 6, Gonzales 5, Matias 3, Kramer 2, Alvarez 2, Williams 1, Belga 0, Yee 0.

Quarters: 19-10, 50-37, 73-59, 92-75

Matias delivers on time as Air21 regains winning form

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AIR21's usual high-octane running game has finally unleashed again.
After being held to only five points in the first three periods, Ronnie Matias racked up 13 big points in the fourth quarter to pilot the Air21 Express to an exciting 113-108 win against the Barako Coffee Masters on Sunday for first win in the 35th PBA Fiesta Conference.
The Express gave up their best defensively and offensively for the sake of the cheering fans at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City that also earned them a 1-1 record after a close 87-92 setback in their opening game against San Miguel Beer last Wednesday.
“I just keep playing every game. It really looks good to see that I’m helping our team,” said Matias, who shot a perfect 2-of-2 beyond the arc, tallied 4-of-6 in the field for 18 points and sank 4-of-5 in the foul line.. “My teammates also deserved a credit on this victory.”
Playmaker Mike Cortez, who had a forgettable debut with only four points against his former team San Miguel Beer last week, came up big this time tallying in 15 points on 4-of-5 shooting in the field along with five assists and three steals.
The game went close at the first half, 55-52, with both teams exchanging baskets and everything stayed the same in the final third period mark when the Express took a short 84-79 spread at the start of the fourth quarter.
Cortez hit a triple for Air21’s biggest margin 99-89 with six minutes left, but Barako Coffee responded with a blitzing 9-0 run capped by Jerwin Gaco’s five straight points to trim down the gap to only 98-99 after Robert Wainwright’s triple with only 4:23 left.
Wainwright finished with 16 points on 4-of-7 shooting from downtown.
But effective import Keena Young, who led the Express anew with 25 points along with 16 rebounds and five assists, capped Air21’s 9-3 counter run to provide them a 108-101 advantage. From thereon, the Express were never threatened.
“Our zone defense works effectively against (Sammy) Monroe although I do not like playing zone,” said Air21 head coach Yeng Guiao, who praised all his players including Matias. “Ronnie is becoming so steadier nowadays. He really plays big for us.”
“We have a good bench production which I think our players are now starting to become familiar with each other,” he said. “This win is a great morale booster to our next game against Coca-Cola on Wednesday before the Holy Week break.”
Ronjay Buenafe and Renren Ritualo contributed with 13 points each, while veteran Egay Billones had nine points for the Express, who bounced back from an opening game loss against the San Miguel Beermen, 92-97, last Wednesday.
Sammy Monroe of Barako Coffee led his team with 36 points along with 15 rebounds and eight assists for a near triple-double feat.
But the rock-solid defense of the Express were enough to handle the rest of the Coffee Masters.
It was also a good shooting night for the Air21 Express, as they shot 35-of-69 total field goals (50.7%), while the Barako Coffee Masters tallied 41-of-95 (43.2%).
After a disappointing 23-of-40 attempts in the foul line against San Miguel Beer in previous game, Air21 improved to 33-of-43 (76%) and had 10 triples against the seven of Barako.
The Express had 26 assists against 18 of their opponent.
Air21’s notes:
…Keena Young actually is not Air21’s original choice but the high-flying LeRoy Hickerson. Hickerson, though, was replaced with few days left before the opening of the Fiesta Conference after he was involved in a vehicular accident that damaged the nerves of his elbow….
…Young, so far, is not so flashy unlike the other imports, but he shows effectiveness for coach Yeng’s system particularly in the first two games…
Individual Scores:
Air 21 113 - Young 25, Matias 18, Cortez 15, Buenafe 13, Ritualo 13, Billones 9, Sharma 6, Kramer 4, Gonzales 3, Williams 2, Belga 2, Alvarez 2, Yee 1.
Barako Coffee 108 - Monroe 36, Wainwright 16, Aljamal 13, Dimaunahan 12, Duncil 10, Gaco 9, Najorda 8, Menor 2, Hubalde 2, Faundo 0, Vergara 0.
Quarter Sores: 30-28, 55-52, 84-79, 113-108.

Air21 succumbs to awful free throw shooting, losses opening game

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IF THEY will learn how to shoot their free throws consistently, the Air21 Express would absolutely end up better than this game.
New-look Air21 missed 17 free throws and absorbed a close 87-92 setback against San Miguel Beer in their opening game at the 35th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference on Wednesday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Although there was something wrong with the officiating in the final part that really cost them the game, Air21 head coach Yeng Guiao admitted the team’s terrible 23-out-of-40 free throw shooting was the one that hurt them most.
“You don’t need to be a genius to realize how important your free throws are?” said Guiao, who continuously as king his players to concentrate more on their free throws.
“If we convert most of our free throws, I think we win that game.”
Air21’s reinforcement Keena Young, who scored 16 of his 23 points in the second half, made both free throws in the last 1:09 left to cut down San Miguel Beer’s lead to 87-88.
Rookie Ronnie Matias, who had nine points and five rebounds, scored five straight points through the charity line to turn a 78-86 deficits to only 83-86 with almost two minutes remaining.
Young, who also collected 21 rebounds and dished out three assists, made a basket and completed two free throws to narrow the gap to 87-88 before San Miguel Beer’s Alex Cabagnot and Anthony Jay Washington responded with two baskets to seal the deal.
Ronjay Buenafe poured in 13 points on 3-of-5 shooting beyond the arc, while hulking Beau Belga got 12 points and returning Renren Ritualo tallied eight points. Ramsey Williams had six assists for Air21.
Newly-acquired Mike Cortez, who came from San Miguel Beer via trade involving Alex Cabagnot, issued four assists and scored only three points.  
Despite the first loss, Guiao is confident Air21 could bounce back against Barako Bull and Coca-Cola before the Holy Week unfolds.
Reigning Fiesta Cup champion San Miguel Beer’s import Gabe Freeman led SMB with 23 points and 21 rebounds with additional two blocks, while Anthony Jay Washington added 19 points and seven rebounds.
Express’ notes: Franchise team owner Bert Lina and daughters Bertha and Donna May were there at the gallery supporting the return of the ‘Ube Republic.’
Fans were also very so excited to see Air21 players came back from a huge deficit until the referees missed one important call – a clear foul on Matias after he was tackled with few seconds left – that could give them the lead….
A possible one point lead after trailing by 87-88, but the refs spoiled it…..
Despite having a bad first half performance, Young admitted he adjusted earlier in the game making only seven points. But he responded so quick in the second half with 16 big points...
Individual Scores:
San Miguel 92 - Freeman 23, Washington 19, Cabagnot 13, Pena 12, Pennisi 9, Santos 4, Hontiveros 4, Yeo 3, Miranda 3, Villanueva 2, Ildefonso0.

Air 21 87 - Young 23, Buenafe 13, Belga 12, Matias 9, Ritualo 8, Kramer 4, Sharma 4, Alvarez 4, Gonzales 4, Williams 3, Cortez 3, Billones 0, Yee 0.

Quarter Scores: 21-20, 44-39, 70-62, 92-87.

Air21 wants something higher this conference

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“There’s no other way but the championship.”
It was addressed by Mrs. Sylvia Lina to Air21 head coach Yeng Guiao and his players on Monday during the team’s press launch at the Burger King branch at the Glorietta mall in Makati City with two days left before the Express’ first game in the 35th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Fiesta Conference.
“We have the cream of the crop and we’re very excited to have them in this team,” she said.
Although the wife of Bert Lina, the Air21 Express franchise team owner, is asking for the company’s first ever title since joining the PBA in 2002, Guiao is so optimistic that anything may turn possible this conference including another return trip to the finals of this import-laden tournament or win the crown.
“I won my first title in my second year with Swift. With Red Bull, it was also in my second year when I won the title. Hopefully the trend will continue,” said Guiao, who is now on his second year as Air21 mentor. “I think we have the necessary ingredient to again contend for the championship.”
Guiao said the Express have upgraded their talent from the last conference with their determination and good chemistry is all there.  “We are really looking forward to the tournament.”
The return of Air21’s gunner Renren Ritualo, who was an original pick of the Express in 2002 before he was traded to Talk ‘N Text in 2006, has given Guiao an outside threat which he considers a big factor this conference.
The arrival of Mike Cortez from San Miguel Beer, returning Doug Kramer and Rich Alvarez from Ginebra has also strengthened the team in terms of offensive firepower and defensive strength.      
Besides the four players, mainstays Beau Belga, Egay Billones, Wesley Gonzales, Ronjay Buenafe, Richard Yee, Ram Carlo Sharma, Ramsey Williams, Erick Rodriguez and Wynnie Arboleda, who will appeal to PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios for reinstatement this conference, are all expected to deliver big in this conference.
Arboleda, on the other hand, is all set to appeal his case to the Commissioner’s Office on Thursday. He was suspended for one season last October due to an ugly incident.
Rodriguez, who recently recovered from ACL injury, is also expected to be a big factor defensively this conference.
Guiao also said he is satisfied with what import Keena Young has been displaying so far in practices.
“He’s not flashy but very effective, and shoots with a higher percentage,” said Guiao. “What I’ll be asking from him now is to work on both ends of the court. We don’t need him to score more than 30 points every night. He must be the steady factor for the team.”
Air21’s first game this conference is against San Miguel Beer on Wednesday (March 24, 2010) at the Araneta Coliseum in second game.
The team entered the PBA in 2002 as FedEx Express. After three seasons, it changed its brand name to Air21. In 2009 the team was called Burger King, the name it carried until the recent Philippine Cup.
Air21 chairman Bert Lina and wife Sylvia, and team manager and current PBA board chairman Lito Alvarez were also present in the event.

Air21 grabs Cortez, Alvarez and Kramer

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THREE for the money.
Two days after the trade that brought up Renren Ritualo and Yancy De Ocampo back on their fold, the Air21 Express made another surprising trade on Tuesday to receive San Miguel Beer’s flamboyant playmaker Mike Cortez, Rich Alvarez and Doug Kramer.
Cortez, who started his career with Alaska in 2003 before moving to San Miguel Beer in 2008, was shipped by the Beermen to the Express to get point guard Alex Cabagnot, according to Air21 team governor Lito Alvarez.
‘I’m very excited to see this team. I can’t wait for it,” said Alvarez. “Doug (Kramer) has played for us and I like his work ethic. I also like Rich Alvarez. The two are college teammates.”
De Ocampo, who was received by the Express along with Ritualo from Talk ‘N Text, was immediately transferred to Ginebra for the rights of 6-foot-4 Alvarez and 6-foot-5 power forward Kramer who are both highly-recommended by coach Yeng Guiao. 
The Express had released JR Quinahan, Mark Yee and Aaron Aban to the Texters for De Ocampo and Ritualo.
Alvarez said import Leroy Hickerson, who arrived on Wednesday, made a good impression in the tourney where they placed second behind the UAE national team.
“The import we’ve got and the new players we enlisted make me really excited about the coming tourney,” said Alvarez.
Kramer and Alvarez, former Ateneo teammates, are reunited at Air21 where they have found themselves with former La Salle Archers Cortez and Ritualo.
“Definitely, Renren Ritualo will stay with us. Renren and Ronjay Buenfe will be our main men at off-guard spot,” said Alvarez.
Cortez, who averaged 10.0 points along with 3.1 assists and 3.2 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game last Philippine Cup for San Miguel Beer, is expected to play a big role to the Express’ backcourt together with Ronjay Buenafe, Egay Billiones and Ritualo.
Alvarez, the 2004 rookie top overall pick by the defunct Shell squad, averaged 3.4 rebounds and 2.1 points per game last Philippine Cup for Ginebra, while Kramer did not play mostly on games.
Cabagnot, who will play with his fourth team after Sta. Lucia, Coca-Cola and Burger King, had an average of 13.1 points along with 4.4 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game last conference.

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