Canaleta does a Renren for Air21

Air 21 Express yesterday showed it could win without Renren Ritualo as it turned back Alaska, 99-88, and got out of a two-game skid in the Gran Matador Brandy PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

Slam-dunk artist KG Canaleta took the cudgels for the Express who sent the sweet-shooting Ritualo to Talk N Text last Monday as part of a mega trade. Canaleta scored a PBA career-high 27 points on top of seven rebounds.

Yancy de Ocampo also shone for the Express with his 21 points and 21 big rebounds.

With the victory, Air21 climbed to 5-9. For Alaska, which came into the game as the heavy favorite, the loss was its seventh in 13 games. The Milkmen won their last two games heading into last night’s ballgame.

Willie Miller, formerly of Talk N Text, had a forgettable debut with Alaska as he failed to make his presence felt. On the other hand, Leo Avenido played his first game for Air21 and was a factor in the end. — Abac Cordero