Air21 fends off San Mig Coffee for 3rd straight win

Ogie Menor (light/air21) loses the ball against James Yap and Denzel Bowles (dark/smc) PBA IMAGE / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—Air21 fended off San Mig Coffee, 87-82, to book its third straight victory Wednesday night in the 2013 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City.

The Express kept their cushion throughout the entire fourth, not letting the Mixers come closer than four points again after PJ Simon trimmed the lead down, 65-62, at the start of the quarter.

Head coach Franz Pumaren, who admitted he was elated  defeating a champion squad and a multi-titled coach, credited their defense.

“Our guys played well and smart. We’re very underrated when it comes to playing defense. Tonight we showed that it’s a team effort,” said Pumaren.

Mike Dunigan, who got the better of his match up with Denzel Bowles, and Mark Isip quickly doused San Mig Coffee’s uprising with five straight from the stripe to make it 70-64.

Niño Canaleta and Wynne Arboleda, then, worked to keep Air21 on top and an easy lay-in from the veteran guard put the outcome beyond doubt, 83-72, with a minute to go.

Dunigan finished with 25 points, 20 rebounds, an assist, steal and two blocks.

Bowles, meanwhile, led the Mixers, who dropped to 4-5 and tied with the Express, with 24 points and 12 rebounds .

PJ Simon added 20 points, half of which from his squad’s gritty third quarter, while James Yap had 17 but on a 6-of-19 shooting from the field.