Air21 finally hands coach Franz Pumaren first win in the pros

2nd Game Update: Petron def. B-MEG, 84-77


Winless in all its first 14 games in the previous conference, Air21 made a good impression right in its very first game in the Commissioner’s Cup.
And the Express won in convincing fashion, leading from start to finish and coasting to a 97-88 triumph over Barako Bull on Sunday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.


The Express made their first nine shots and 11 of their first 12, leading to an early breakaway, 31-8. They never looked back and didn’t give the Energy much of a chance in pulling off a comeback.

Marcus Douthit , Bitoy Omolon and Mark Isip provided the additional stock the Express needed. The three players were the latest addition to the squad with the two locals being picked up via a trade with the Meralco Bolts before the tournament started.

Douthit, a naturalized Filipino playing as an import, finished with 16 points and 17 boards. The former SMART-Gilas Pilipinas slotman came in a few days ago, but quickly fit in to the system of coach Franz Pumaren.

Omolon top scored for the Express with 17 points while busy containing Barako Bull import DerMarr Johnson at the other end.

Isip finished with 10 points while holdovers RJ Jazul and James Sena combined for 28 points for the Express, who led by as much as 26 points, 51-25, in the second period.

The Express shot 45.2% from the field (33-of-73) while holding down the Energy below 40% shooting from the field (31-of-78). Air21 also played better as a team, dishing out nine more assists than Barako Bull, 18 to 9.

“We needed Marcus and the new acquisitions to boost the morale of the players. Marcus only joined us recently but the moment he stepped into the practice facility, the confidence level grew at a certain level. He is tailor fit for us,” said Air21 coach Franz Pumaren. “I have a strange feeling we’re going to win this game prior to the start of the match.”

Johnson led Barako with 37 points. The Energy dropped their second game in three matches. (RJ)

2nd Game Update: Petron def. B-MEG, 84-77 

The scores:

Air21 (97) – Omolon 17, Douthit 16, Jazul 15, Sena 13, Isip 10, Escobal 7, Duncil 6, Hubalde 5, Ritualo 5, Espiritu 13, Mirza 0, Faundo 0.

Barako Bull (88) – Johnson 37, Miller 14, Arboleda 12, Najorda 9, Allado 6, Seigle 4, Lanete 2, Pennisi 2, Pena 2, Weinstein 0, Salvador 0, Tubid 0.

Quarterscores: 33-13; 57-36; 77-60; 97-88.

source: www.pba.ph