Air21 insists it won game vs SMB, appeals to board

MANILA, Philippines – Air21 formally made an appeal to the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) board Friday night seeking to reverse commissioner Sonny Barrios’ decision in junking their protest of its controversial 130-129 loss to San Miguel on November 5. Lito Alvarez said that they will do whatever it takes for the PBA to award the Express with at least a replay of their game against the Beermen. Air21 felt that it won the game against San Miguel in the first overtime, but was denied when referee Mario Montiel failed to award a three-point shot to Ranidel de Ocampo in the final 9.8 seconds. The game, thus, went into a second extra period. Barrios announced his decision last Monday much to the disappointment of the Express. Alvarez said that if the PBA board upholds Barrios’ decision, they are willing to elevate the matter to the Games and Amusements Board (GAB). – GMANews.TV