Coke repulses Magnolia, catches Red Bull at helm

Coke repulses Magnolia, catches Red Bull at helm
By Nelson Beltran
Saturday, May 10, 2008


Source: Philstar.com

Imports Gee Gervin and Jason Dixon came through with personal conference-high numbers, and Coca-Cola regained a share of the lead in the Smart PBA Fiesta Cup with a 106-92 victory over Magnolia at the Araneta Coliseum last night.

Gervin pumped in 35 points while Dixon pulled down 17 rebounds and added seven points, giving the Tigers tremendous boost in notching a sixth win against two defeats.

Coca-Cola caught up with erstwhile solo leader Red Bull as the Tigers dealt the Beverage Masters their fourth loss against the same number of wins.

“It was clear right from the opening tip that Magnolia came into the game with a mindset of taking Dixon away from the game. But Dixon still had his rebounds, his teammates contributed big and we won for the first time a little convincingly,” said Coca-Cola coach Binky Favis.

The Tigers made a key run with Dixon resting on the bench early in the fourth quarter, erecting a 20-point margin in one instance before completing the 14-point victory.

Dixon was limited to seven points but he made up for this with 17 rebounds, three assists and three steals. This was his biggest rebounding effort since snaring 15 caroms in his debut in the league against Talk n Text.

Gervin, Asi Taulava and Ronjay Buenafe led the Tigers in their offensive thrust with Dixon forced by the Beverage Masters to concentrate on defense.

Meanwhile, PBA commissioner Sonny Barrios is reconvening his technical staff to review their decision on the Wesley Wilson-Adam Parada fracas as Air21 team manager and board representative Lito Alvarez lodged a protest on the non-suspension of the Sta. Lucia import.

Air21 was not directly involved on the issue but reversal of the decision that would suspend Wilson would benefit the Express in their match against the Sta. Lucia Realtors are squaring off tomorrow.

“I’m questioning the decision-making of the commissioner. I’m after consistency. He has upgraded the flagrant fouls committed by James Yap and Randy Holcomb causing their suspension. He has also suspended (Nino) Canaleta. Why not Wilson?” said Alvarez.

Alaska coach Tim Cone also questioned the commissioner’s decision sparing Wilson of suspension. Wilson committed a flagrant foul on Jojo Duncil sparking a fight that marred the Red Bull-Sta. Lucia game Wednesday.

“I find the commissioner’s ruling on Wilson totally unfair after suspending our import. Wilson’s foul was done with extreme malice and premeditated with intent to hurt. Holcomb’s foul was not. Wilson should have been suspended,” said Cone.