Rabeh’s 30-point powers Air21 to Phil. Cup quarterfinals
Friday, December 5, 2010
JOSEF T. RAMOS
 WITH injuries hobbling their roster, the freshmen of the Air21 Express know this is the right time for them to shine in the 36th Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season Philippine Cup.
Center Rabeh Al-Hussaini sustained his dominating form and Nonoy Baclao delivered a strong performance inside the paint to power the Air21 Express to a vengeful 82-77 win against the Barako Enery Booster on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.
Fresh from their memory, the Express loss to the Energy Boosters, 79-89, last October 29, in their first meeting.
The 6-foot-7 Al-Hussaini scattered a game-high 30 points and grabbed five rebounds, while 6-foot-6 top overall pick Baclao finish with 11 points and 11 rebounds along with a block to secure Air21’s place in the quarterfinals.
“I haven’t been in this kind of situation, but it’s really great,” said Al-Hussaini, who shot 13-of-27 in the field. “We really need this win so bad and I’m so happy we’re able to make it tonight.”
Al-Hussaini, who also earned praises from his Air21 mentor Yeng Guiao, scored 12 points in the fourth period, including a short jumper that put the Express ahead to stay, 72-71, with still 4:55 to play.
“It was still a tough win,” said Guiao of their fifth win in 12 games that effectively took away whatever slim hopes the Energy Boosters and Powerade (3-10) had of making the round of eight.
“But it’s a good sign for us and hopefully a confidence- builder.”
Guard Ronjay Buenafe, Wynnie Arboleda and new recruit Lou Gatumbato also made their presence felt in the game to buck the absence of injured Ronnie Matias (ACL), JR Quinahan (flu) and Marcy Arellano (stress fracture).
 Rabeh Al-Hussaini tries to take a shot against 3 barako defenders, MArk Andaya, Mark Isip and Rob Wainwright. |
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Buenafe fired 18 points, including three triples, along with six rebounds and three steals, whileArboleda had 10 points and Gatumbato chipped in seven points along with five rebounds, three assists and a steal in his debut for the Express.
Barako Bull took a 58-57 lead after three quarters but made just 6 of 19 attempts in the fourth quarter.
Mark Isip scored 23 points and Rob Wainwright added 13 for Barako Bull, which picked up its eighth consecutive loss and 11th in 13 games overall.
Barako Bull appeared to have gained momentum when Isip gave his team a 71-70 lead but the Energy Boosters turned the ball over in their next possession and Al-Hussaini scored in the ensuing play to put Air 21 ahead.
“Rabeh played his best game so far. It’s just a glimpse of his real potential. But he showed that if he’s serious about his purpose he can get better,” Guiao said of Al-Hussaini, who recorded his second straight 30-point game.
Hussaini exploded for 31 points in Air 21’s 89-96 loss against conference leader San Miguel Beer last week.
Individual Scores:
Air21 82 - Al-Husseini 30, Buenafe 18, Baclao 11, Arboleda 10, Gatumbato 7, Rodriguez 2, Sharma 2, Gonzales 2, Guevarra 0, Urbiztondo 0, Najorda 0.
Barako 77 - Isip 23, Wainwright 13, Juntilla 12, Daa 10, Salvacion 5, Bono 3, Andaya 3, Alonzo 2, Duncil 2, Cruz 2, Hubalde 2, Viray 0, Yee 0.
Quarter Scores: 17-20, 38-36, 57-58, 82-77 |
Johann Heinrich Lambert G. Ramos serves as President of Linaheim Corporate Services, Inc., which is a proud member of the Lina Group of Companies. He was appointed President last January 2010...
IF THERE is a businessman whose passion for sports and business are incomparable and impressive, Alberto "Bert" Lina has delivered successful results to basketball, cycling and different businesses throughout the years...
