GlobalPort Batang Pier squandered an 18-point lead, but managed to pull away late, taking a 91-84 win against the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at the Big Dome to cap PBA Sunday night’s doubleheader.
Terrence Romeo was superb with 35 points, two rebounds, with five three-pointers, and a perfect 6-of-6 from the free throw area. The flashy star dropped 15 points in the final canto to help the Batang Pier push through the victory.
“Terrence is a different breed. I talked to him prior the season and he’s developing to an all-around player and I think that will help him in the long run,” said Globalport head coach Franz Pumaren.
Romeo led the Globalport’s surge to open up the fourth quarter that saw Ginebra commit three straight turnovers to start the frame. The former FEU star made two fast break layups to reinstall a comfortable cushion at 75-67.
“He’s the new Terrence Romeo that can change the game. He made his teammates look good,” said Pumaren.
Ginebra stormed back after trailing by as much as 18 at 48-30 in the last moments of the first half. LA Tenorio scored ten in the third to pace the Kings as they clawed their way back en route to a tremendous 35-17 fury bridging the two middle quarters.
“During the exhibition, we lost by 20 and I think they don’t want that to happen. The coaching staff did a good job in scouting them and we’re really embracing being competitive and our defense showed today and we kept within the system,” Pumaren added.
The league-leading defense of GlobalPort showed in the final stretch, limiting Ginebra to seven points in the last five minutes. Moreover, Romeo added a dazzling layup to increase their lead again to nine and provide the dagger for the win.
“Medyo na-rattle kami buti kinausap kami ni coach and sabi ng veterans to stay on the game,” shared Romeo. “Sinabi ko lang sa teammates ko na as much as possible, wag na nating ibigay to, wag na nating hayaang makabalik.”
Ginebra had more assists at 25-14, but succumbed to 20 turnovers that led to 21 points for the Batang Pier. GlobalPort also made 11-of-32 from beyond-the-arc, which were six more makes against Ginebra’s dismal 5-of-17 shooting.
LA Tenorio and Japeth Aguilar each had 23 points, but had minimal help outside of their scoring. Scottie Thompson chipped in with 10 rebounds and six assists, but scored only four markers, while missing all of his four field goal tries.
The GlobalPort Batang Pier (3-1) will have the Blackwater Elites(2-2) in their next assignment to be played the San Juan Arena on December 21. On the other hand, Ginebra (1-3) looks to bounce back and get back on track against the skidding Mahindra Floodbuster (0-4) on Friday at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Globalport (91) – Romeo 35, Quinahan 15, Pringle 12, Canaleta 10, Mamaril 6, Cortez 6, Urbiztondo 3, Pennisi 2, Maierhofer 2, Semerad 0, Pessumal 0.
Ginebra (84) – Aguilar 23, Tenorio 23, Devance 9, Mariano 8, Cruz 6, Mercado 5, Thompson 4, Caguioa 2, Ellis 2, Taha 2, Ferrer 0, Helterbrand 0.
Quarterscores: 23-22, 53-36, 68-65, 91-84
