David buzzer-beater knocks out Alaska 5

Gary David drained a booming trey at the buzzer and Air21 completed a big comeback from an early 16-point deficit, squeaking past Alaska Milk, 109-107, in the KFC PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

The basket was the only one Air21 made in the last two minutes, enabling the team to stretch its streak to three games after the same number of losses.

Red Bull also made it three in a row after three straight defeats in topping Talk n Text, 104-102, in the second game.

“The last play was actually designed for Arwind (Santos) with Gary the second option. The play was botched but we’re fortunate that Gary was there to save us,” said Air21 coach Bo Perasol on David’s game-winning shot.

“Gary will take that anytime as long as he’s open. He has the penchant for making big shots,” Perasol added.

The Express faced impending defeat after blowing away a 12-point lead on a 15-2 attack by the Aces capped by an off-balanced shot by Willie Miller pushing Alaska ahead at 107-106 with time down to one second.

But David rose to the occasion for the Express, shooting the game-winning shot in front of Miller then rushing straight to their dugout while his teammates whopped it up on the court.

The Express stole the game from the Aces who tumbled to a second straight loss.

“I think we really deserve to win. It’s just that our last five didn’t deliver well. We worked hard to overcome a big deficit only to become complacent at endgame. We lost our aggressiveness,” said Perasol.

The Express stepped up their pressing game as they wiped out a 39-23 deficit and established their own double-digit leads in the final half.

Catching up with the Aces at the half at 53-all, the Express finally seized control at 82-70 in the third quarter.

Santos finished with 25 points and 14 rebounds for his first double-double of the season with David adding 18 points and seven caroms and Wynne Arboleda chipping in 15 points and five assists.

Homer Se, back from sickbay, had 13 points while De Ocampo had 10 and 11 rebounds for his fifth double-double, matching the conference-best by Sta. Lucia Realtor Kelly Williams.

Joe De Vance led the Aces with 25, a point shy of his career best 26 output done with Welcoat Paint last season. He poured in 19 in the first half.

Before the game, Alaska coach Tim Cone said they would be ready for Air21’s pressing defense. They did, only in the first half though.