source: MANILA, Philippines -- Like a boxer who refused to throw in the towel, Air21 willed its way to victory, stunning the Alaska Aces, 97-94, Wednesday and moving to the semifinal round of the 2011 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
Air21 found itself in a hellhole as it trailed by as much as 18, 44-26 in the second quarter and looked like the game was over at that point.
But taking matters into his own hands, cat-quick guard Josh Urbiztondo found his touch when he needed it most to sink four straight triples in a dazzling third quarter run by the Express that totally changed their fortune.
"Credit to my players, they really want to go on to the next round," said Air21 coach Bong Ramos.
Urbiztondo fired 14 of his 17 points to spark Air21's charge in that pivotal third quarter that saw the Express outscore Alaska, 46-20, and finally wrest the lead from the Aces, 84-71.
But likewise refusing to die, Alaska rallied and even had the chance to force an overtime except that LD Williams' long attempt barely grazed the rim as time expired.
Alpha Bangura came alive in the third period as well, after struggling the first half to finish with a game-high 28 points.
Williams paced Alaska with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
Air21 will face number one seed Talk 'N Text in a best-of-five semifinals on Friday.
Air21 found itself in a hellhole as it trailed by as much as 18, 44-26 in the second quarter and looked like the game was over at that point.
But taking matters into his own hands, cat-quick guard Josh Urbiztondo found his touch when he needed it most to sink four straight triples in a dazzling third quarter run by the Express that totally changed their fortune.
"Credit to my players, they really want to go on to the next round," said Air21 coach Bong Ramos.
Urbiztondo fired 14 of his 17 points to spark Air21's charge in that pivotal third quarter that saw the Express outscore Alaska, 46-20, and finally wrest the lead from the Aces, 84-71.
But likewise refusing to die, Alaska rallied and even had the chance to force an overtime except that LD Williams' long attempt barely grazed the rim as time expired.
Alpha Bangura came alive in the third period as well, after struggling the first half to finish with a game-high 28 points.
Williams paced Alaska with 26 points and 10 rebounds.
Air21 will face number one seed Talk 'N Text in a best-of-five semifinals on Friday.
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