Fittingly, the Express, who worked extra hard on the defensive end throughout, clinched the win with Yancy de Ocampo stealing an errant pass by Larry Fonacier in the closing seconds.
Improving their win-loss record to 7-8, Air21 head coach Bo Perasol gave credit to newly-acquired defensive tactician Jerry Codiñera. "The players do play defense when asked by Jerry. He’s an authority because he’s the league’s ‘Defense Minister’ for the longest time," said Perasol.
Codiñera, among the league’s all-time greats, was acquired by the team management primarily to help improve the Express’ defensive game. The Express were yielding 103.6 points — the worst by any team in the tourney — coming into their game versus the Bulls.
In the nightcap, Noy Castillo buried two clutch triples in overtime while Paolo Mendoza missed what could have been the game-winner as Purefoods edged Sta. Lucia, 103-101. -- Joey Villar