PBA: Air21 snaps four-game skid in Taulava's return to the PBA

The Air21 Express leaned on the fourth quarter scoring of KG Canaleta and the inside presence of returning PBA veteran Asi Taulava to defeat the Talk 'N Text Tropang Texters, 106-102, on Friday at the PhilSports Arena, in the 2013 Governors' Cup.  

Air21's victory allowed them to tie their foes Talk 'N Text in the standings, with both teams in last place with 2-5 records.

"KG Canaleta, he really stretched the floor," said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren. "He gave us an inside-outside presence with Asi and [Zach] Graham."

Canaleta was the Best Player of the Game with 30 points, including six three-pointers.

A tough lay-in from Zach Graham pushed Air21 ahead, 100-99, with less than three minutes remaining. After a missed three by Ranidel De Ocampo, Bonbon Custodio challenged Jimmy Alapag for a tough drive and a three-point lead. TNT then sued for time at the 1:47 mark, leading to Mitchell knocking down an elbow jumper to cut the deficit to one.

Graham responded with a baseline drive, as TNT continued to opt for isolation plays for Mitchell up top. The Texters' import missed a three, leading to a Taulava rebound, before Air21 head coach Franz Pumaren called for a time.

Out of the quick break, Graham drove to the lane and missed the lay-up, but he got his own miss and forced TNT to foul. The import converted on his free throws, giving the Express a 106-101 lead with 35 seconds remaining.

Ranidel De Ocampo was awarded a trip to the line where he split, with Canaleta swiping the defensive board. Air21 called for time again, but they committed a turnover to give TNT another chance to cut the lead. De Ocampo and Jayson Castro missed on their attempts from deep, but the Texters kept possession with 4.4 seconds left. Larry Fonacier's try from the right baseline sailed long, giving the Express the victory.

"I told the guys to keep the game close; give me a chance to coach," added Pumaren.

Pumaren also had praises for his new veteran center, the newly-acquired Asi Taulava, fresh from his stint with the ABL where he was named MVP. The former Tropang Texter delivered rebounds, while providing a defensive presence in the paint:

"For his age, Asi still has the respect of other teams. He gave us energy. With his basketball experience, he can easily adjust."

Taulava started early, as Air21 established a 4-0 lead to start the first. Ranidel De Ocampo and Larry Fonacier canceled makes from Ogie Menor, as a pair of Zach Graham freethrows gave the Express a 13-10 lead.

Five points from KG Canaleta put Air 21 ahead, 20-16, but Harvey Carey and Rabeh Al-Hussaini connected from the shaded lane. The Express held on to a three-point lead after one, 22-19.

Fonacier and Sean Anthony made shots to tie the game at 28-all, before Joseph Yeo and Canaleta gave the Express a 36-32 advantage. Nine straight points from Tony Mitchell put the Texters in the driver's seat, 37-36, before a De Ocampo slam. Canaleta stopped the bleeding with twin treys for the Express, but De Ocampo responded with five of his own. Free throws from Alapag had the Texters up 52-49 at the half.

Tony Mitchell and Ranidel De Ocampo led the Texters after two quarters with a combined 29 points. Canaleta paced Air21 with 16, while Zach Graham added 10.

Air 21 started the third with some more spring in their step, as baskets from Graham, Vic Manuel and Bonbon Custodio gave the Express a 68-59 edge. An Alapag trey and a Fonacier basket on the break cut their deficit to four, 68-64, as Graham tried to sustain Air21's advantage. Five straight from Sean Anthony finally gave TNT the lead anew, 75-74, before Taulava split from the line for a 75-all scoreline after three.

Zach Graham had 27 points to Canaleta's 30, while Bonbon Custodio chipped in 12, including crucial drives in the final minutes of the game. On the other hand, it was a team effort for TNT, as Mitchell's 27 were supported by De Ocampo's 19 and Sean Anthony's 16. Gilas Pilipinas guards Jayson Castro and Jimmy Alapag combined for 22. - AMD, GMA News