Mark Canlas scores game-winner as Big Chill squeaks past Air21-JRU

MANILA, Philippines — Last conference’s finalist Big Chill bagged its first victory in the 2012 PBA D-League aspirants, but left a lot to be desired.

Big Chill scraped past Air21-Jose Rizal University 77-76 on a buzzer-beating undergoal stab by Mark Canlas Thursday but head coach Robert Sison was not satisfied with the way they played.

“I’m not satifised with the way we played. We still have to gel, nagkakapaan pa kasi,” said Sison after the game. “I must admit we are so tight in this game, our execution was affected.

The Superchargers only managed to push the lead to 73-65 midway the payoff period when Janus Lozada, Mar Villahermosa and Canlas heated up from downtown.

But Big Chill even squandered that lead, and had to rely on a crucial rebound and bucket from Canlas — off a miss by Terrence Romeo — at the buzzer to pull of the victory.

“Si Romeo, sa sobrang gustong makabawi, medyo tight sya. Nangigigil. That’s why yung I have hom the last play,” said Sison.

Canlas paced the loaded Superchagers, who pretty much lost their starting five, with 14 points and seven rebounds while Romeo added 13 points, seven boards, three assists and a steal.

“We have to gel as soon as possible. Hopefully, this win will give us the confidence,” said Sison, whose squad failed to really take control of the ball game.

It was a good debut for the Air-21 JRU, though, as it managed to tie the game at 75-all with under a minute to go after Big Chill made a pivotal run.

Rocky Acidre, the sly guard from Arellano, and Dexter Maiquez, the standout from San Sebastian, took turns in leading the Bombers, especially in the fourth period.

Maiquez chips in 19 points and six rebounds just as Acidre added 17 points, including six straight markers to knot the game.