MANILA, Philippines – Air21 goes for a second straight win and a share of early lead when it battles B-Meg Derby Ace Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Astrodome in Pasay City, hoping it can come up with a brilliant follow up to its conquest of mighty San Miguel last week.
Despite reports of a trade in which their top rookies – Nonoy Baclao, Rabeh Al-Hussaini and Rey Guevarra – could be shipped to San Miguel, the Express are hoping to add the Derby Ace among its victims.
Besides the trade rumors, there is also talk that the franchise itself is for sale to San Miguel.
But the Express will try to set aside the talks about their future as they play B-Meg at 5 p.m. with a giving them a share of the lead with idle Alaska and Rain or Shine.
All-Filipino champion Talk ’N Text meantime tries to bounce back from an unexpected defeat to the Smart Gilas squad when it faces Powerade at 7:30 p.m.
Third year playmaker Josh Urbiztondo is expected to lead Air21 after firing 31 points in their 92-87 win over San Miguel. Import Jeremy Robinson added 14 points and 10 rebounds for Air21.
“Hopefully we can follow-up our big win. It’s a good start for us,” said Air21 mentor Bong Ramos, who took over as coach of the franchise replacing Yeng Guiao. “We have to keep our focus and move forward.”
“We expect B-Meg to come out strong, they are looking for their first win after losing two so it’s going to be a tight game,” Ramos added.
The Llamados are hoping that Sharmani Spears will play better after debuting with 22 points and 11 rebounds against Powerade. B-Meg’s first import Robert Brown had 29 markers and 11 boards before he was sent home.
On the other hand, Philippine Cup champion TNT eyes a better performance after losing to Smart-Gilas Pilipinas, 98-103.
Import Paul Harris debuted with 25 points and 11 rebounds, but coach Chot Reyes hopes to get solid support from his locals this time around.
Powerade was mauled by Alaska, 82-106, in its first game but rebounded with a 103-96 victory over the Llamados in Tubod where import Russel Carter fired 36 points and grabbed 19 rebounds.
Waylon Galvez, Manila Bulletin
