COACH Dolriech ‘Bo’ Perasol challenged his troops five days ago before the awaited rematch against their archrival Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings.

Gary David, Ranidel De Ocampo and the rest of the Air21 Express answered pretty well.

David piled up a game-high 24 points, while the 6-foot-5 De Ocampo delivered a double-double to power the Express to a 102-84 rout of the Gin Kings Friday night in the PBA-KFC Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.

“We need to play with a sense of urgency tonight,” said David, who finished with two triples, seven field goals and four free throws in 33 minutes of play. “My teammates really wanted the win so bad, so pushed ourselves.”

De Ocampo, considered one of the league’s good shooting big men, dominated the game with 16 points on 5-of-10 shooting in the field and 11 rebounds to halt a two-game skid and gain a piece of fifth place with three other teams.

‘Caught up’ 

The Express caught up with the Kings, the Sta. Lucia Realtors and the Purefoods Tender Juicy Giants at 7-7, just half-game behind the Talk n Text Tropang Texters (7-6) and a game adrift the San Miguel Beermen (8-6) and the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (8-6).

“We need to win and I’m glad we made it through our collective effort,” said De Ocampo, who scored an under goal stab off a Marvin Cruz blind pass for Air21’s 90-71 spread with 3:49 left in the game.

From thereon, the Air21 Express were never threatened.

“My challenge to my players was for us to do what it takes to stop our skid. We’re facing extreme situations – It could lead us to more losses if we lose or back in strong contention should we win,” said Air21 coach Bo Perasol.

Arwind Santos, who made two thrilling dunks, contributed nine of his 12 points in payoff quarter, while sophomore playmaker Marvin Cruz, Egay Billiones and returning Homer Se added eight points apiece.

Cruz also got six assists and five boards in 26 minutes.

‘Flickering hopes’

JC Intal, Nino KG Canaleta, JR Quiñahan, rookie Cholo Villanueva and Wynne Arboleda merged for 26 points for the Express, who kept their flickering hopes alive for the second outright semifinals slot.

David and De Ocampo waxed hot in the early frame, scoring six and seven points, respectively, for the Express’ 25-14 spread in the first quarter.

The Express were enjoying a 40-20 spread when Valenzuela and Canaleta got entangled then the Ginebra player threw a punch in the second period.

Air21 kept a 20-point lead, 50-30, at halftime and did well keeping Ginebra at bay in the final half.

The Gin Kings brought down the Express’ lead at 13, 82-69, after former Express Ronald Tubid’s lay-up with 6:42 left. But Air21’s 8-2 run, capped by Santos’ two baskets, provided them with a 90-71 lead to seal the deal.

‘Unexpect rout’

“We didn’t expect the rout. We just focused on our game plan which was to stop their offensive options. We stopped Eric Menk’s post-up game, their fastbreak and one-on-one plays. The result is very pretty,” said Perasol.

Air21’s defense worked well as it forced Ginebra to commit 30 errors, 22 in the first half. The Express gained 26 points from there. They also got more steals (11-3) and blocks (8-3) than the Gin Kings.  

The Express, with the win, have finally avenged their 92-101 loss against the Gin Kings in their first meeting.

Air21’s Blog Notes:

….During the commotion, Perasol was seen attempting to go after Valenzuela but was prevailed upon by assistant coach Leo Isaac….

“Hindi ko pwedeng pabayaan dahil sinuntok yung player ko sa harap ko. I have to do something. I’ve nothing against Junthy but I have to protect my player,” said Perasol.

….It looked like Ginebra had a reunion with former Ginebra player Dante Gonzalgo after he was given a little tribute by a reality TV show at the Big dome….

……Sonny Cabatu, Pido Jarencio, JV Gayoso and Mike Advani showed up to be with Gonzalgo. Ironically, these proud former Ginebra players only became witnesses to Kings’ falldown….

….Se finally returned from a four-game absence due to right knee tendonitis…

Individual Scores:

Air21 102 – David 24, De Ocampo 16, Santos 12, Cruz 8, Billones 8, Se 8, Intal 7, Canaleta 6, Villanueva 5, Quinahan 5, Arboleda 3, Kramer 0.

Ginebra 84 – Mamaril 15, Crisano 15, Tubid 13, Artadi 11, Salvacion 8, Escalona 6, Cabatu 6, Reavis 6, Wilson 2, Menk 2, Valenzuela 0.

Quarter Scores: 25-14, 50-30, 80-57, 102-84.