The Globalport Batang Pier blitzed the Mahindra Floodbusters all game long to notch a dominant 97-75 wire-to-wire win on a gloomy Friday evening at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Super scorer Terrence Romeo finished with 29 points on only 13 shots to go along with six assists. Globalport’s off-season pick-ups KG Canaleta, JR Quinahan, and Mick Pennisi combined for 24 points and 21 boards in a balanced scoring game from the winning squad.
“It’s a major revamp on Mahindra and probably they were adjusting. It’s a good opportunity for us to see where we are right now,” Globalport head coach Franz Pumaren said. “We had limited time to prepare so at least it’s a good win for us and we’re still adjusting to the new system.”
Globalport cruised to a 24-9 blazing start after the first frame behind a fuming shooting display by their starters. Terrence Romeo continued the hot shooting en route to a 14-point first half performance on efficient shot selection to increase the gap against the rattled Flood Busters.
Joining Globalport’s shooting party was rookie Von Pessumal, who cashed in two quick triples to increase the lead to 41-18. Mahindra attempted to rally back, but failed to string consecutive buckets as they trailed by a big lead at intermission.
The game was already decided at that point, but Globalport further punished Mahindra up until the final buzzer. Three consecutive triples by Romeo, Mick Pennisi, and Stanley Pringle put further hurt on the ailing Floodbusters.
“Yung mentality namin, lamang o naghahabol, same lang dapat yung aggressiveness tapos credit na rin sa teammates and coaches kasi halos lahat ng pasahan ko, capable mag shoot para sa play,” shared Romeo regarding his team’s consistent pace despite clinging to a big lead.
The Batang Pier led by as high as 27 during the game and also opted to play their potent five to avert any scare from Mahindra.
Romeo aspires that this win will inspire the entire team to continue playing at a high level as their campaign kicks off.
“Sana magtuloy-tuloy lang at yung lapses namin sana ma-improve,” Romeo added.
Globalport dished out 18 assists as a team, which were almost half of their 37 field goals made in 50 percent shooting for the game. They outrebounded Mahindra as well, 56 to 40.
The Floodbuster starters only had nine points from their starters and relied heavily on their bench for their offense in this game. Alex Mallari played his first game as a member of Mahindra, tallying 17 markers, nine rebounds and two steals in the defeat. Jason Deutchman chipped in 14 markers.
Globalport (1-0) will have the Star Hotshots(0-1) as their next opponent on December 2, 7pm at the Big Dome. Meanwhile, Mahindra (0-1) will try to bounce back from this demolition against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (1-0) on November 30 at Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Scores:
Globalport (97) – Romeo 29, Pringle 16, Quinahan 10, Canaleta 9, Pessumal 8, Aban 5, Pennisi 5, Semerad 5, Maierhofer 4, Mamaril 4, Saitanan 2, Cortez 0, Dehesa 0, Paredes 0.
Mahindra (75) – Mallari 17, Deutchman 14, Apinan 10, Celda 10, Escoto 6, Revilla 5, Yee 5, Digregorio 4, Arana 2, Eriobu 2, Salva 0, Paniamogan 0, Nimes 0, Galanza 0, Ballesteros 0.
Quarterscores: 24-19, 46-28, 70-45, 97-75
