PBA: Air21 scores easy win vs Welcoat

MANILA, Philippines - The Air21 Express bucked the absence of some key players to score a convincing 105-96 victory against the hapless Welcoat Dragons in the first Sunday game of the PBA Smart Fiesta Conference before a large crowd at the Araneta Coliseum. The Dragons, who suited up two imports for the season-ending conference, showed a semblance of a fight only in the early goings and in a short stretch in the final half but still lost against the Express who are missing the services of top players JC Intal, Homer Se, Gabby Espinas and Ervin Sotto as they started their campaign in the 2008 Smart Fiesta Conference on a winning note. The Dragons suited up imports Jason Beau Keep and Corey Santee but still absorbed their 12th straight loss of the season Keep, a 6-foot-10 center who played for San Diego and Oklahoma State in college basketball, huffed and puffed his way to 12 points and 15 rebounds, appearing to be a candidate for an early exit in the tourney. Santee, at least, provided Welcoat some threat at the backcourt with 19 points, nine assists and two steals. Air21 coach Bo Perasol pointed to their defense as the biggest factor that contributed to their win. "I think we showed improvement on our defense," said Perasol, who now have a new deputy in former Ginebra and Shell player Leo Isaac. Top locals Ranidel de Ocampo, Arwind Santos and import Steve Thomas complemented well one another and the Express outclassed the Dragons in their first game under new head coach Caloy Garcia. Perasol gave his import a modest review. "It’s the best game he’s shown so far counting his performances in our tune-up games. I think he’s not yet in shape and he has a lot more to give," said Perasol of Thomas who also logged 15 points and one block in 39 minutes of action. Perasol also thought his team would get better as the conference progresses. - GMANews.TV