Tigers frustrate Dragons

Coca-Cola, opting not to use Gee Gervin yet, used a strong finishing kick to preserve its unbeaten run and keep Welcoat winless in the Smart PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Jason Dixon scored 19 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter while Cesar Catli pumped in a career-high 18, including nine in the payoff period as the Tigers nipped the Dragons, 98-96, to seize the early solo lead in the tourney with a clean 3-0 win-loss card.

Dixon took charge in the final canto as the Tigers sent the Dragons reeling to a third straight loss in the tourney and their 14th in all dating back to the Philippine Cup.

The Dragons have yet to win a game since scoring a 95-93 decision over the Magnolia Beverage Masters last Nov. 16.

For a while, it appeared the Dragons would finally end their slump as they came out strong with the help of new import Marquis Gainous.

The Tigers played catch-up from the opening tip but held on to win the contest after taking the lead for the first time at 95-94 on a three-pointer by Ronjay Buenafe with 15.4 seconds to go.

After the Tigers made it 97-94 on two free throws by Dixon with 6.7 seconds to go, the Dragons still had a chance to force an overtime but Gainous opted to take a twinner.

Thus, the Tigers made it three in a row though playing with only one import in their last two games.

Coca-Cola unveils Gee Gervin, son of NBA great George “The Iceman,” as the Tigers take on the Air21 Express Sunday.

“Gee hardly worked with us since he came in only on Monday. We thought it’s best for everybody for Gee to take a rest first. We didn’t want him to feel the pressure with jetlag and all, and we didn’t want the team and the guy sizing each other up in this game,” said Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis.

Favis, however, said he’s impressed with what he saw as Gervin worked out with the Tigers Tuesday.

“He looks talented with a good shooting touch,” said Favis of Gervin, fresh from a stint in the Swedish league.

Gervin is taking over from Calvin Cage who’s undergone a surgery here for his broken ankle.

“Calvin will be out for two months. But having gotten hurt while fighting for Coke, we’re committed to give him the best medical attention,” said Favis of their original import.

Gainous had a decent debut with Welcoat only to hasten their loss as he opted to go for a twinner while the team was needing a three-pointer to force an OT.

The Texas Christian U alumnus logged 23 points and seven rebounds with Corey Santee adding 22 points, four assists and seven rebounds.