Express stay in race for semis

The Air21 Express paced themselves well with Sean Daniels hobbled by fouls in the second half, repulsing the Coca-Cola Tigers, 98-94, to stay in the fight for an outright entry into semifinals of the San Mig Coffee PBA Fiesta Cup at the Astrodome last night.

The Express actually squandered a nine-point halftime lead but regained control midway through the fourth quarter and went on to get back at the Tigers for their eighth win against seven losses.

They close their classification-round stint versus the Purefoods Chunkee Giants tomorrow, needing to win to get a crack at an outright semis berth.

"Somehow, (Daniels getting into foul trouble situation) became a blessing in disguise for us. We’re loaded with talents but some aren’t given the chance to really shine. Homer Se and Yancy de Ocampo were able to play more minutes tonight and they helped us stay afloat with Daniels on the bench," said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.

Daniels sat out almost 10 minutes of the third quarter after picking up a fourth foul but the Express stayed in the thick of the battle, trailing by only one, 72-73, going into the final period.

With Daniels checking back in the payoff quarter, the Express again imposed themselves on the Tigers and regained the initiative at 88-80, entering the last four minutes of play.

Ranidel de Ocampo came up with his most productive output in his young pro career for the second time in their last three games, firing 28 points to pace the Express. The 6-foot-7 slotman made 24 against the Ginebra Kings last Saturday.

Renren Ritualo went 5-of-9 from the three-point area for 15 points while Wynne Arboleda added 14 points, four rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks.

Barangay Ginebra just wouldn’t give up even minus Eric Menk but San Miguel Beer wouldn’t be denied of the win in the second game.

The Beermen overcame a stubborn challenge of the Kings, pulling off a 86-78 victory that finally moved the team out of the cellar and into joint seventh place with the Coca-Cola Tigers with identical 6-8 win-loss records.

The Kings played minus Menk who was suspended by the team last night for missing their practice Thursday without notice.