EXPRESS ACHING TO BOUNCE BACK
The Air21 Express see a lot of positive vibes in their stinging defeat to the Meralco Bolts the last time out, and they’re eager to convert it to “W” in their game against the Barangay Ginebra Kings Wednesday.
For coach Franz Pumaren and his troops, the biggest good vibe is new import Wesley Witherspoon.
They are convinced Witherspoon is what the doctors ordered for the team. And they are confident they could bounce back against the Kings in their 8 p.m. duel in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Wednesday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Express and the Kings are fighting for solo fifth place or joint fourth place with the Bolts at 3-3.
Air21 could have been at 3-2, instead of 2-3, if not bungling a huge 20-point lead late in the third period against Meralco.
Brian Butch poured in 21 of his 40 points in the fourth quarter and Jarred Dillinger added 13 as the Bolts made an epic turnaround in the fourth quarter to steal the game at 109-98.
The Express dominated the first three quarters on an explosive performance by Witherspoon who finished with 44 points in the game.
“Natalo kami, pero sigurado ako kaya kaming tulungang bumawi ni Witherspoon. Magaling. Mas malayo ang galing sa original import namin,” said Macmac Cardona.
The Express are hopeful especially as they’re up against a Ginebra side which has yet to really get going with import Leon Rodgers.
Talks of his impending exit persist even as Jayjay Helterbrand is saying Rodgers is not actually their problem.
For Helterbrand, each one of them has to make extra push if they’re to contend with the league biggies.
The Kings reeled to a third loss, beaten by the Talk n Text Tropang Texters, 87-94, Sunday. They earlier bowed to the San Miguel Beermen, 96-112 and to the San Mig Coffee Mixers, 80-90.
Rodgers averages 32.80 points and 11.4 rebounds but just can’t get the Kings to play together.
Pumaren believes that’s something Witherspoon can do for the Express. (SB)
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