Game today:
(Araneta Coliseum)
Game Six
6:30 p.m.- Air21 vs. Ginebra
It’s now or never for the hungry Air21 Express.
The Express gun for their first-ever championship title, while the Barangay Ginebra Gin Kings try to force a winner-take-all match as Game Six of the PBA Fiesta Cup gets underway today at the Araneta Coliseum.
The Express are the heavy underdogs in the series but much to the surprise of the basketball pundits and the legion of fans of the Kings, they have matched up well with the Kings and are just game away of wrapping up the series.
The Express moved to within a win of capturing their first-ever crown since joining the league in 2002 when they nailed a dramatic 76-73 win in last Friday's Game Six.
"We'll be happy if we get it Sunday (today)," Air21 head coach Bo Perasol told pba.ph.
Air21 actually took a 2-1 lead but failed to widen the gap when they lost Game Four, 77-90, that tied the series at two-all.
"I had no doubt in my mind that we'll get back at them," said Perasol.
"We held them down with our defense and, though, it's a close game, we're able to make some runs," said Perasol.
Arwind Santos got a big steal and scored on a go-ahead breakaway lay-up in the final 43.3 seconds that propelled the Express to the win.
Santos did a remarkable job in containing Ginebra's top gunner Mark Caguioa, who was limited to just two points.
Overall, the Express held Ginebra scoreless in the last 2:44 of play.
"I thought we did everything we wanted to accomplish except winning the game," said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.
Injuries have been hurting Ginebra.
Jayjay Helterbrand remains a doubtful starter in today's game due to a hamstring injury.
Paul Artadi, Erik Menk and Ronald Tubid are playing even with minor injuries.
