Bowles powers Mixers over Express, 80-66

Mark Barroca (dark/san mig) vs Mike Dunigan PBA IMAGES / Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines—San Mig Coffee leaned on a strong effort from import Denzel Bowles to pick up a crucial win over Air21 Express, 80-66, Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Bowles notched a double-double with 29 points and 16 rebounds.

“When you don’t have James (Yap) it’s nice to have PJ (Simon) out there. PJ played wonderful game along with Denzel,” said San Mig Coffee head coach Tim Cone, who hopes a win over Meralco would give them the momentum needed going into the playoffs.

The Mixers sustained its momentum in the second half and led by 17, 62-45, on a basket by Gerwin Gaco.

The Express (5-8), who reeled to their third straight setback, moved to within 10, 62-72, after Nino Canaleta buried a triple at one point in the final quarter.

But a steal and finish by Mark Barroca quickly stopped Air21’s run.

The scores:

San Mig Coffee 80 – Bowles 29, Pingris 14, Simon 12, Barroca 9, Devance 7, Gaco 6, Mallari 2, de Ocampo 1, Najorda 0, Yap 0, Gonzales 0, Reavis 0.

Air 21 66 – Canaleta 26, Dunigan 18, Isip 10, Omolon 4, Menor 2, Custodio 2, Cortez 2, Arboleda 2, Atkins 0, Sena 0, Wiklson 0, Baclao 0, Ritualo 0.

Quarters: 20-16; 39-29; 60-45; 80-66