Even with top guard Terrence Romeo on the sidelines for the whole 48-minute stretch of the game, Globalport Batang Pier made a statement: that they can still win in convincing fashion.
The Batang Pier barged into the win column for the second time in the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup as they tore apart the Mahindra Floodbuster, 105-86, in a battle of the low-ranked teams at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“That’s what were hoping, that the bench players will come out today,” regarded head coach Franz Pumaren of his bench — led by Von Pessumal, who chipped in 14 markers — whom he had called out in their last loss. The reserves contributed 35 points to their total output in the win.
Globalport, whose record is now 2-5, played without their leading scorer as he was stricken with flu yesterday. Still, Pumaren gave credit to his star guard, who had diarrhea, for suiting up in full uniform even if he could have opted to rest.
“Of course we should credit to Terrence Romeo, because even if he was sick, he decided to suit up in case we needed him,” said Pumaren. “He’s a professional. He showed up.”
Stanley Pringle took it upon himself to step up in the absence of his backcourt partner, leading Globalport with 24 points — 17 in the first half — along with five assists. Import Malcolm White supplied 16 points and 17 rebounds.
The Batang Pier dictated the tempo right in the first half, zooming to a 13-1 run punctuated by a James Forrester alley-oop dunk off a Mike Cortez lob to establish a wide 16-point advantage, 47-31, with 2:24 left heading into the break.
The onslaught continued from that point on. With Globalport not missing a beat, they enjoyed a 30-point lead, 85-55, after a Von Pessumal triple with 8:52 left to play. The said cushion proved to be the game’s biggest lead.
The Floodbuster then never had any clear chance of imposing a serious threat, as they fell to their sixth defeat in a row.
“Right now we cannot afford any mistakes. Our situation is we will write our own path. We can’t rely too much on the additives. The best outlook right now is to take it each game,” added Pumaren on the victory.
Mike Cortez had 12 points, while JR Quiñahan and Aaron Aban provided 11 and 10, respectively.
Keith Wright led the now-1-7 Floodbuster with 23 points on 62 percent shooting and a personal-low of nine rebounds. Reden Celda backed him up with 18 points, while fellow point guard Philip Paniamogan added 14.
Globalport shot a notable 52 percent from the floor. They also scored better on second chances, 24-13, but their 15 turnovers allowed Mahindra to convert them to 25 markers.
Globalport will face a tough challenge in Phoenix on May 5, Friday, 4:15 PM, while Mahindra will try to end their losing stretch versus Blackwater on May 7, Sunday, 4:30 PM. Both games will still be played at the Big Dome.
The Scores:
Globalport (105) – Pringle 24, White 16, Pessumal 14, Cortez 12, Quinahan 11, Aban 10, Forrester 7, Paredes 6, Ababou 5, Mamaril 0, Pennisi 0.
Mahindra (86) – Wright 23, Celda 18, Paniamogan 14, Corpuz 8, Deutchman 6, Elorde 4, Salva 4, Caperal 2, Mallari 2, Yee 2, Ballesteros 1, David 1, Galanza 1, Revilla 0, Teng 0, Guevarra 0.
Quarterscores: 22-17, 49-36, 78-53, 105-86.
