MVP runner-up Arwind Santos of Air21 played outstanding defense all throughout the game, capping it with a big steal and converting the fastbreak layup with 43 seconds left, giving the Express enough cushion to record a nerve-wracking 76-73 Game 5 win over the Brgy. Ginebra Kings, moving a win shy of bagging the 2007-2008 Smart PBA Fiesta Conference at the Cuneta Astrodome.

Santos finished with 12 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals, import Steven Thomas had 15 and 19 while the teams’ leading scorer, Gary David also had 15.

“There really was no doubt in my mind that my players can get back at Ginebra,” said Ai21 coach Be Perasol.

“I thought we did everything we wanted to accomplish except winning the game,” said Ginebra coach Jong Uichico.

The Kings actually had a chance to send the game into overtime but Chris Alexander was called for a traveling violation with the team down by two and with only 2.6 seconds left to play.

Mark Caguioa of Brgy. Ginebra, the league’s leading local scorer and was selected to the Mythical 5 for the first time in his career during the PBA’s Annual Awards a couple of days ago, was held to just 7 markers while being guarded most of the game by Santos.

Chris Alexander led the Kings with another monster night, finishing with 21 points, 21 rebounds and 3 shotblocks. Only two other players, Eric Menk with 11 and Junthy Valenzuela with 10, contributed in double digits for the Kings.

Game 6 is set on Sunday at 6:30PM at th Araneta Coliseum, where the Express will be looking to clicnh the title while the Kings try to force a decisive Game 7.

Scores:

Air21 76 - Thomas 15, David 15, Santos 12, Se 12, Billones 10, de Ocampo 6, Canaleta 4, Arboleda 2, Kramer 0, Cruz 0, Intal 0.

Brgy. Ginebra 73 - Alexander 21, Menk 11, Valenzuela 10, Tubid 7, Caguioa 7, Artadi 6, Pacana 4, Crisano 4, Salvacion 4, Mamaril 0, Reavis 0.

Quarterscores: 19-26, 45-38, 57-54, 76-73.