As it turned out, Air21 beat the Aces, 92-83, and wound up with a 5-4 record, the same mark as Barangay Ginebra and Alaska. In a three-way tie for third place, Ginebra took No. 3, Air21 No. 4 and Alaska No. 5 via the quotient system. Ginebra was +12, Air21 -4 and Alaska -8.

If Air21 lost, the Express would’ve gone down to 4-5, tying Rain Or Shine and B-Meg for fifth spot. In this case, B-Meg would’ve qualified at No. 5 with a +28 quotient and Rain Or Shine at No. 6 with a -1. Air21 would’ve been struck out with a -27 quotient.

B-Meg would’ve been the beneficiary in an Alaska victory. Air21, however, made sure it wouldn’t be denied a spot in the playoffs, celebrating coach Bong Ramos’ return to the fold after stints in Indonesia and Brunei. It was the Express’ fourth win in a row, making the Bert Lina franchise the hottest team in the league, after Talk ‘N’ Text, entering the playoffs. The Tropang Texters have won eight straight since dropping their first assignment to Smart Gilas.

Here’s an interesting twist to this development regarding Alaska. According to PBA chief statistician Fidel Mangonon, if Alaska ended up No. 4 instead of No. 5, it would be allowed only a 6-2 import in the Governors Cup. But since Alaska slid to No. 5, the Aces will be permitted to recruit a 6-4 import. The quirk probably went unnoticed by the Alaska coaching staff but the loss to Air21 has turned out to be a blessing in disguise.

Incidentally, four teams will be allowed to play a 6-2 import in the third conference – Ginebra, San Miguel, B-Meg and Talk ‘N’ Text. Four teams will be allowed to play a 6-4 import – Alaska, Air21, Rain Or Shine and Meralco. And two teams will be allowed to play a 6-6 import – Powerade and Barako Bull, if it decides to reactivate.

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Since the big trade with San Miguel, Air21 has won four of seven compared to the Beermen’s two of eight. Danny Seigle is averaging 14.4 points in a major revival with Air21. He hit at a 9.2 clip in 21 games with San Miguel the previous conference. Dondon Hontiveros is similarly enjoying a career rejuvenation, averaging 17.1 points with the Express compared to 14.0 last conference.

But Ramos’ most consistent performer has been import Alpha Bangura who was in team manager Allan Gregorio’s wish list even before the Commissioner’s Cup started. With Bangura still trying to wiggle out of his Lebanon contract, Air21 brought in Geremy Robinson on an interim basis and the Express lost two of three as a result. Now that Bangura is in harness, Gregorio couldn’t be happier. Robinson averaged 13.7 points during his brief stint with Air21 while Bangura is norming 29.3 points. The comparison is like night and day.

Three of Air21’s last four wins came at the expense of Rain Or Shine, Meralco and Powerade so the Express still has to be tested against teams in the upper half of the standings. The victory over Alaska was Ramos’ first over a squad in the top five.

Alaska is on a two-game losing streak but its other loss to Rain Or Shine came without import L. D. Williams who had to sit out due to a suspension. Three of Alaska’s nine games ended in overtime with the Aces losing to No. 1 Talk ‘N’ Text and No. 2 Smart Gilas. Coach Tim Cone is a tested playoff achiever so Alaska will check in confident against Air21 in their best-of-three quarterfinal series.

The Air21-Alaska survivor will advance to play Talk ‘N’ Text in a best-of-five semifinal tie.

In the other quarterfinals, Ginebra battles Rain Or Shine. The Kings beat the Elasto Painters, 95-90, in their elimination encounter last March 26 with Nate Brumfield chalking up 30 points. Ginebra has lost two in a row despite Mark Caguioa averaging 23 points and will need a super team effort to deflate unpredictable Rain Or Shine. Coach Yeng Guiao’s ability to draw big numbers from unlikely players will be a cause for Ginebra’s concern. Doug Kramer, Beau Belga, Larry Rodriguez and Josh Vanlandingham have produced significant stats lately, making it easier for Gabe Norwood, Jeff Chan and import Hassan Adams to play without pressure.

The Ginebra-Rain Or Shine winner will move on to meet Smart Gilas in a best-of-five semifinals.

Joaquin Henson, Philippine Star