Daniels powers Air 21 past Talk N Txt in PBA

Air 21's bullish import Shawn Daniels last night played the hero's role when he scored on a put-back with only two seconds left in the game to lift his team to a thrilling 90-88 win over the erstwhile solo leader Talk 'N Txt Phone Pals in the 2005 PBA San Mig Coffee Fiesta Conference at the Ynares Center in Antipolo city.

Daniels, who just scored 14 points, recovered the ball after John Ferriols was blocked by Asi Taulava and without giving extra energy, he simply put the ball back for the win.

Coming off from a double overtime loss to San Miguel Beer in a provincial game last week, Air 21 also found another hero in Ronald Tubud, whose four-point swing in the dying seconds of the game proved to be a big factor as it gave the Express an 88-86 edge with only 46 ticks left before the final buzzer.

In the return play, however, Taulava converted his charities to tie the count at 88-all, 22 seconds remaining. What could have been another overtime game for the Express was aborted with Daniels sealing their third victory against four losses.

The Phone Pals had the final say with only two seconds left and winning could still be possible, but Willie Miller missed a desperation shot after receiving an inbound pass. Miller earlier hit an off-balanced, buzzer-beating triple that put the Phone Pals infront, 85-82, with still 2:30 to go in the fourth period.

Strongly contesting Miller's shot, Air 21 coach Bong Mirasol was whistled for a technical foul that almost cost them the win.

Although Daniels was only limited to 14 points, the Express had some of their locals having big contributions including Ferriols who had a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Guys like Tubid, Nino Caaleta, Wyne Arboleda and Renren Ritualo were also giving huge impact for the team.

The Phone Pals, who now dropped to 5-2 win-loss record, was getting enough support from import Damien Cantrell, but the failure of the other locals to contribute aside from Miller, Taulava, Victor Pablo and Jimmy Alapag, spelled the difference. Alapag scored only five points, but had 13 assists.