PBA/Nuki Sabio
Photo Courtesy of Hael Pinat
James Yap scored 16 of his 20 points in the first half, while Mark Barroca added 12 points, five rebounds, and two assists for the Mixers, who were coming off a 29-point loss to Talk ‘N Text last Wednesday.
“It’s a good bounce-back game for us. We got embarrassed big time, and we figured it will be difficult to recover from a loss like that. It’s harder for management, fans, and coaches. But a 30-point loss is the same as one-point loss. We were concerned about how we’re going to respond,” said Cone.
“We didn’t have time to dwell about the loss to Talk ‘N Text because we’re up against Air 21. We used the loss to Talk ‘N Text as a way to propel us, just like what we did when we lost to Powerade, which led us eventually to winning the Commissioner’s Cup last season.”
Up by only six points following KG Canaleta’s basket, 82-76, San Mig Coffee tightened its screws on Air 21 to end the match.
No Air 21 player was able to score until Mark Isip hit a garbage basket with only 23.9 seconds to go and San Mig Coffee up by 13 point, 89-76.
Jonas Villanueva chipped in 11 points and Rafi Reavis contributed 10 for the Mixers, who forged a tie for second spot with Rain or Shine at 8-3.
Air 21 suffered its second straight loss and seventh in 11 games.
The scores:
SAN MIG COFFEE 89 – Yap 20, Barroca 12, Villanueva 11, Reavis 10, Simon 9, Pingris 8, Devance 7, Intal 6, De Ocampo 6, Gonzales 0.
AIR 21 80 – Canaleta 18, Sena 10, Isip 10, Cortez 9, Wilson 8, Custodio 8, Reyes 7, Ritualo 6, Baclao 4, Atkins 0, Arboleda 0.
Quarters: 25-21, 51-45, 73-66, 89-80
source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/big-game-james-coffee-prince-barroca-lead-san-mig-coffee-to-bounce-back-win-over-air-21
