Express hold off streaking Tigers

Gee Gervin showed some good moves but had crucial lapses at endgame, hastening Coca-Cola’s loss in his debut in the local pro league.

Gervin committed a dribbling violation, a passing error and a bad foul at the height of their last-ditch stand, enabling the Air21 Express to complete a 102-95 victory over the previously undefeated Tigers in the Smart PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Minus main man Gary David and promising rookie JC Intal, Air21 banked heavily on the solid showing of its starting unit of Steven Thomas, Arwind Santos, Homer Se, Wynne Arboleda and Ranidel de Ocampo in stopping the Coca-Cola charge.

The Express improved to 2-2 as they dealt the Tigers their first loss in four starts in the season-ending tourney.

Coach Bo Perasol said they dedicated the victory to the father (Aquilino) of team manager Lito Alvarez who passed away Friday at 84.

“The guys did a hell of a job. They stood up with the Tigers defensively,” said Perasol. “We know that we can match up with any team in the league offensively but defense is something we have to improve on.”

Air21, the worst defensive team last conference, gave up 102 points to both Red Bull and Purefoods in its last two games.

“It’s not much of an improvement but seven points is seven points. Hopefully, we can sustain our defensive effort in our next games,” said Perasol.

Offensively, the team’s starters all made a big contribution with Thomas, Santos and Arboleda piling up double-double numbers. Santos and Arboleda saved their best for last, combining for 21 points in the payoff period.

Santos pumped in a trey, De Ocampo scored on a short stab, then Thomas powered his way against Jason Dixon also for a twinner as the Express reestablished a double-digit spread at 89-78 midway through the last quarter.

The Tigers countered with a 7-3 run as they threatened for the last time at 87-93 before Gervin – the team’s replacement to the injured Calvin Cage – committed successive miscues.

But, overall, Gervin had a decent job. The 6-foot-1 son of NBA great George came through with 26 points, six assists, three steals and two rebounds against seven errors in 33 minutes.

Mark Telan pulled down eight offensive caroms, becoming the 34th member of the league’s 1000-offensive-rebound club.

The Express, eliminated by the Tigers in the wildcard round in the All-Filipino tourney, established control early as they opened the game with a 24-9 run.

They took the half at 48-41 before Gervin presided over a torrid attack allowing the Tigers to come within two at 65-67 going into the last quarter.