Terrence Romeo of Globalport (light) vs Eliud Poligrates and Mike Burstcher of Air21 (dark). Nuki Sabio/PBA
MANILA, Philippines — Air21 weathered a late push by Globalport to win, 83-78, in the opener of the 2014 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Import Herve Lamizana came alive in the second half to finish with 22 points to lead the Express.
“Good thing during the second half our import already stepped up his game. I was kind of hard on him at halftime,” said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren.
Lamizana responded with 16 points in the third quarter alone before tallying four more points in the final 3:29 of the game including a go-ahead reverse layup over Justin Chua, 79-78, with 1:22 left.
“It was the first game and I have to get used to the style of play here. In the second half, I just did what I came here to do,” said Lamizana, who was still trying to catch his breath.”
The Batang Pier took a 78-77 edge on a free throw by returning import Evan Brock after trailing by 10, 56-66, entering the final frame but they went on to miss their last five attempts from the field.
Joseph Yeo led all locals in scoring with 21 for Air21. The six-foot-10 Lamizana also had five blocks.
Brock had 28 points and 26 rebounds but shot poorly from the field and at the free throw line.