MANILA, Philippines -- Alpha Bangura unleashed 40 points to help Air21 fend off a furious fightback by Alaska, 94-84, and extend their series to a do-or-die game three in the 2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome.
The versatile import also collected nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks for the Express, who erected a 20-point lead twice before seeing the Aces comeback just like in game 1.
"We were desperate, the guys don't want to go home. They're a good team but we just want it little more than them," said Bangura.
But unlike the first game where Alaska rallied down the stretch to win, 91-89, Air21 this time, stood its ground.
"I take my hat off to my players, they really want to extend the series," said Air21 coach Bong Ramos.
LA Tenorio shone anew with 18 points, including a triple that pulled Alaska to just two, 84-86 with 1:48 left in the game.
However, that was the last basket for the Aces as the Express clamped down on defense and ended the game with an 8-0 blitz.
Second-stringer Leo Avenido chipped in with 15 points for Air21.
The versatile import also collected nine rebounds, three assists and two blocks for the Express, who erected a 20-point lead twice before seeing the Aces comeback just like in game 1.
"We were desperate, the guys don't want to go home. They're a good team but we just want it little more than them," said Bangura.
But unlike the first game where Alaska rallied down the stretch to win, 91-89, Air21 this time, stood its ground.
"I take my hat off to my players, they really want to extend the series," said Air21 coach Bong Ramos.
LA Tenorio shone anew with 18 points, including a triple that pulled Alaska to just two, 84-86 with 1:48 left in the game.
However, that was the last basket for the Aces as the Express clamped down on defense and ended the game with an 8-0 blitz.
Second-stringer Leo Avenido chipped in with 15 points for Air21.
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