CALAPE, Bohol – Showing up with a new import willing to be just a role player, Purefoods rediscovered its old form last night, snapping a three-game losing skein with an 88-78 drubbing of Alaska Milk in a Smart PBA Fiesta Conference road game at the Calape Sports Center here last night.
James Yap and Kerby Raymundo, back as the team’s top offensive options, rose to the challenge, combining for 44 points as the Giants won their first game with Moroccan seven-foot import Reda Rhalimi.
Meanwhile, league commissioner Sonny Barrios upheld his decision sparing Wesley Wilson of suspension on his unsportsmanlike conduct Wednesday, thus allowing him to play against Air21 at the resumption of play today at the Araneta Coliseum.
Barrios reconvened his technical staff to review the matter as Air21 team manager and board representative Lito Alvarez lodged a protest on the commissioner’s decision just to fine the erring import.
“I’ve sent a letter to Mr. Alvarez’s residence informing him formally that the decision stays,” said Barrios in a text message to The STAR.
The Sta. Lucia Realtors and the Express carry identical 4-3 win-loss cards going to their 4:30 p.m. contest. Talk n Text, half-game ahead at 5-3, slugs it out with Barangay Ginebra at 6:50 p.m.
Rhalimi proved effective as he concentrated on defense and on rebounding in helping the Giants win the PBA road showcase sponsored by Hanes.
The Giants struggled in their first six games with original import Darius Rice proving too much of a ball-hog, thus limiting the play of the Purefoods locals.
Yap and Raymundo came out of their shell on the exit of Rice, leading the Giants to a third win in seven outings.
The Aces suffered their fourth straight loss and their sixth in eight games in all despite the return of Randy Holcomb from a one-game suspension.
Obviously challenged by Rhalimi, Holcomb played aggressively, finishing with 24 points, including a two-handed jam right in the face of the new Purefoods reinforcement in the third quarter.
Rhalimi made only 14 points but had the final laugh in his face-off with Holcomb – thanks to the solid game of the whole Purefoods team.