i TV Pinoy

Source: ABS-CBN News

-- Coca-Cola survived a poor shooting performance and escaped with a 100-96 win over Air21 to remain on top of the standings of the KFC-PBA Fiesta Conference Wednesday night at the Araneta Coliseum.

James Penny, Asi Taulava and RJ Rizada took advantage of the Express’ foul-troubled big men in the closing minutes to give the Tigers a rare 3-0 start in the tournament.

Penny finished with a game-high 29 points, including a put-back of a missed triple by Norman Gonzales. The put-back helped preserve the win for Coke.

David chipped in 21 while Gonzales contributed 10, highlighted by a 3-of-4 shooting from the 3-point area.

“My wish was granted. I really expected this to be tough game. We’re just lucky, and the guys did not give up even though we’re behind,” said Tigers had coach Bo Perasol.

“Everybody else contributed, but we missed a lot of free throws. If we could have made some of these, I think we would have been able to pull away a little earlier,” he added.

Air21, which committed a season-tying high of 32 turnovers, fell to 1-2.

“This (3-0) is a good start for us going up against Ginebra on Sunday,” said Perasol.

Beermen survive TNT

San Miguel Beer bounced back from a humiliating loss as it defeated Talk ‘N Text, 112-106, in overtime to improve its mark to 2-1.

Gabe Freeman collected 29 points and 22 rebounds to lead the Beermen, who dropped a 108-98 decision to Coke last Saturday in Gingoog City.

Dondon Hontiveros added 21 points while Anthony Washington contributed 18.

Ranidel de Ocampo led the Tropang Texters with 28 points, including the 3-pointer with 0.9 ticks left to send the game to overtime. Harvey Carey had 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Texters.

“Masama ang laro last time, buti na lang kahit papaano nakabawi,” said SMB head coach Siot Tanquingcen. “Milya-milya pa sa laro na gusto naming ipakita.”

San Miguel used a 6-1 run at the start of overtime to take control of the game, 103-98 with 3:05, and TNT failed to convert its shots the rest of the way.

Jimmy Alapag had 17 while Shawn Daniels netted 16 points and 15 rebounds for the Texters, who dropped to 1-2.