GINEBRA big man Greg Slaughter (in red) battles Meralco veteran Danny Ildefonso for the rebound. PBA IMAGES/NUKI SABIO
MANILA, Philippines — Air21 and Barangay Ginebra notched second straight victories Saturday and set themselves up perfectly well for their battle for the solo PBA Governors’ Cup lead in two days.
The Express, with the ageless Asi Taulava letting all his hard work set the tone, routed Barako Bull, 101-89, before the Gin Kings plastered Meralco, 92-85, and put the Bolts in the bottom of the standings at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Interestingly, the Express and the Kings square off on Tuesday in what could be a slam-bang affair pitting squads with two of the most impressive imports thus far. Air21, after making the Commissioner’s Cup’s Final Four and taking eventual champion San Mig Coffee to the distance, used a 12-2 run to open up the fourth period and all but take the fight out of the Energy, who absorbed a second straight defeat in a 1-2 card.
The Express didn’t allow the Energy to come closer than nine the rest of the way as import Dominique Sutton finished with 24 points and 16 rebounds and Taulava adding 22 and 12.
Counting a 103-96 win over Rain or Shine on Tuesday, Air21 sealed the best start in the Shopinas.com franchise since joining the league in 2011.
Until the previous conference, Air21 was the league’s favorite whipping boy. “We are playing within a system using our advantage and strength,” said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren.
“Our import is right for our system. We need a high-scoring import but he can really help in other aspects of the game.”
Ginebra also got a huge boost from import Zaccheus Mason, who scored 32 points and had 19 rebounds as the Kings dealt the Bolts a third straight loss. Greg Slaughter had 22 points and Mac Baracael was the third Gin King in twin digits with 11.
Meanwhile, Grand Slam-seeking San Mig Coffee tries to make it a three-way tie for the lead today when the Mixers face sister squad San Miguel Beer also at the Pasay venue.
The scores:
BARANGAY GINEBRA 95—Mason 32, Slaughter 22, Baracael 11, Ellis 9, Aguilar 4, Tenorio 4, Caguioa 4, Monfort 3, Reyes 2, Helterbrand 2, Mamaril 2, Ababou 0.
MERALCO 82—Williams 26, Hodge 19, David 12, Dillinger 11, Hugnatan 8, Ildefonso 2, Caram 2, Wilson 2, Timberlake 0, Salvacion 0.
Quarters: 18-28, 46-43, 68-61, 95-82