From so-so stint with Kings: Cortez refuels Air21’s drive

Game today (Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu)

6:30 p.m. – Alaska vs San Mig Coffee

MANILA, Philippines - Mike Cortez celebrated his transfer to Air21 and his reunion with college coach Franz Pumaren with an outstanding performance, leading the Express to a gripping 86-85 victory over the Barako Bull Energy Cola in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome last night.

Cortez, Pumaren’s ace playmaker with La Salle in collegiate basketball a decade ago, sizzled with 24 points, including the game’s last five that turned the outcome of the game in their favor and moved the Express two notches up to joint sixth at 3-5 (win-loss).

“To tell you frankly, (after the trade was made) I couldn’t sleep as I was anxious to play. This is the result,” said Cortez, making a big impact to help Air21 to its first successive wins in the season.

The 2003 top draft pick, acquired by Air21 for Yousef Taha, also collected six rebounds, six assists and five steals in a solid all-around performance he spiked with two clutch baskets at the finish, enabling the Express to avenge their 87-90 loss to the Energy Cola in their previous meeting last Oct. 3.

Cortez averaged career-lows of 3.5 points, 2.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists in just 14.67 minutes a game with Barangay Ginebra before the trade.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Fuel PBA on Tour resumes tonight with a stop in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu pitting Alaska Milk and San Mig Coffee.

“Where can you find a better script than that – Mike Cortez taking over to turn things around for us,” said Pumaren.

Jayjay Helterbrand, returning from a one-game layoff, produced the big plays as Barangay Ginebra ended a five-game losing skein with an 81-79 decision over Globalport in the nightcap.

Helterbrand scored eight straight points and set up LA Tenorio for a big trey in a strong finish, giving the Kings their first win in over a month.

Ginebra improved to 3-5 while Globalport went down to 1-8.