It took five games, but the Blackwater Elite finally got a breather
With both teams looking for that elusive win, the Blackwater Elite showed that they wanted it more, overcoming a Globalport Batang Pier late-game comeback attempt to post their first-ever win in the 2017 Commissioner’s Cup, 118-113, Saturday night at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“It’s good to be back here [in the post-game presser],” said Elite head coach Leo Isaac in the slump-ending win, which improves their card to 1-4. “After four straight losses, finally we were able to break through.”
Globalport dropped to an 0-4 slate.
American reinforcement Greg Smith anchored the Elite in the victory, scoring a game-high 40 points on 27 shots along with 19 rebounds in the 41 minutes he saw action.
“He’s good,” said Isaac proudly of his import. “But he easily becomes frustrated. That’s why we’re mending ways on how to inspire him more. He’s a competitor.”
Blackwater came back from a wide, 86-75 deficit late in the third canto to take the driver’s seat once more, 114-105, after eight straight points — sparked and ended by Smith’s baskets — with 2:46 left to play.
However, the Batang Pier tried to come back one last time. Behind two triples by Terrence Romeo and a Stanley Pringle lay-up, Globalport were able to close within just a solitary point, 114-113, with 1:09 remaining.
But that proved to be their last gasp. As Smith scored off a goaltending violation, and with Mike Di Gregorio sinking his free throws and Globalport failing to sink much-needed baskets, Blackwater finally barged into the win column.
‘Hopefully we can continue on with this. Hopefully it could boost our morale, our confidence, and be a better team going into our next game,” shared Isaac.
Di Gregorio supplied 18 markers — two points shy of his career-high last year — spiked by three triples, while forward Reil Cervantes added 14. Guard Nard Pinto only had nine, but he hauled down seven boards.
Globalport’s loss overshadowed the excellent outings of Romeo and debuting import Malcolm White. Romeo had 35 points, 24 in the first half, on 13-of-18 shooting — 9-of-14 coming from beyond the arc.
White, on the other hand, had 33 points by going 15-of-24 and 17 rebounds along with two blocks in the 36 minutes he played.
Pringle and Mike Cortez each produced 13 points.
Miscues proved to be poison for the Batang Pier, as they committed 16, which were then turned to 24 points. But despite the defeat. Globalport still shot better from the floor, going 53 percent, and they also received more help from the bench, getting 47 points.
Blackwater will try to get another win as they face a tall task in Meralco on April 16, Sunday, at 4:30 PM. Globalport will aim to end their slump versus fellow winless team NLEX on April 12, Wednesday, 4:15 PM. Both games will be held at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
The Scores:
Blackwater (118) – Smith 40, Digregorio 18, Cervantes 14, Sena 10, Pinto 9, Buenafe 9, Canaleta 7, Sumang 5, Gamalinda 3, Aguilar 2, Cruz 1, Pascual 0.
Globalport (113) – Romeo 35, White 33, Pringle 13, Cortez 13, Quinahan 7, Pennisi 5, Pessumal 3, Ababou 2, Aban 2, Forrester 0, Mamaril 0.
Quarterscores: 31-26, 57-57, 88-95, 118-113
