SHAWN DANIELS finally flexed his muscles to lead the Air21 Express past the Sta. Lucia Realtors, 110-95, last night in the San Mig Coffee 2005 PBA Fiesta Conference at the Araneta Coliseum.
Daniels, the 260-pound Express reinforcement, poured in 14 of his 30 points in the third period to lead his team’s comeback from 13 points down and help snap their three-game skid.
His production was 12 more than his nightly clip in their first four games.
"We need a player like him who can dominate the shaded lane," said Air21 coach Bo Perasol, referring to his hulking import.
The Express win came before Red Bull extended the losing skein of San Miguel Beer with a 76-74 decision.
The Barakos registered their third win in five games to gain a share of third spot with idle Alaska Milk while handing the Beermen their fourth straight loss.
The Express ended the third with a 23-7 bomb to grab an 84-81 lead entering the payoff period.
Express rookie forward Nino Cañaleta also made a good account of himself in just 17 minutes of action. Cañaleta finished with 10 points, three rebounds and two assists.
Those points were bonus for them, according to Perasol.
"Kaya ko ipinasok si Cañaleta eh para dumepensa kay (Chester) Tolomia," said Perasol.
Cañaleta did his homework and more.
Tolomia had a career-high 24 points, but only two came in the final period when Cañaleta hounded him.
The rookie mentor also made special mention of Ronald Tubid.
"Iba ‘yung energy na ibinibigay ni Ronald. Bagay na bagay sa brand of play namin ang laro n’ya."
Tubid finished with nine points and held Alex Cabagnot to five.
With Cabagnot setting up the table, the Realtors feasted in the first half.
The Realtors made 26-of-36 (72.2%) of their shots from the field to take a 60-52 lead at the turn.