Former Bolts Kelly Nabong and Jonathan Grey reminded Meralco what they have let go of, powering the GlobalPort Batang Pier past the Orangemen to return to the win column, 107-88, Sunday evening at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
Nabong produced 17 points and 17 rebounds — 12 and nine in the first half — while Grey top-scored 24 points, with 13 in the third canto alone, to help the Batang Pier improve to 3-3 and tie with Rain or Shine, TNT, and Phoenix.
“Actually he’s really motivated dito sa season na ito. Mula noong kinuha namin siya, ‘yung full potential niya lumabas na,” said head coach Pido Jarencio of Nabong. “Sabi ko sa kanya, Kelly you’re one of the best big men, dominating ka, double-double lagi in points and rebounds.”
The Batang Pier tasted their first double-digit lead in the 5:29-mark of the opening quarter, 21-10, thanks to a 13-2 run ended by Sean Anthony. And that proved to be the start of a one-sided affair in favor of the team in white.
With their foot on the gas pedal set firmly, and with the Bolts failing to find ways to keep up, GlobalPort’s lead ballooned to as huge as 29 points, 94-65, after another basket by Anthony with 7:19 remaining in the game.
“Actually we finished stronger talaga,” added Jarencio on the win. “I think ‘yung defense namin ang nag-work this game. First, second, third quarter grabe ang depensa. Fourth quarter parang bigay na lang lahat ‘yun, hindi na masyadong nag-depensa.”
Anthony supplied 18 points and five rebounds, and Stanley Pringle had 17 markers, five caroms, and four assists for GlobalPort.
Reynel Hugnatan and Chris Newsome each scored 17 points and both grabbed six rebounds to lead Meralco, who are now 2-4, along with Blackwater and NLEX. Forward Mac Baracael chipped in 12 markers and five boards.
GlobalPort will look to sustain their run against the Alaska Aces next Sunday, February 4, 4:30 PM at Ynares Center in Antipolo, while Meralco will aim to bounce back versus the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Friday, February 2, 7:00 PM at Mall of Asia Arena.
The Scores:
Globalport 107 — Grey 24, Anthony 18, Nabong 17, Pringle 17, Gabayni 9, Araña 5, Guinto 5, Juico 4, Sargent 4, Elorde 2, Taha 2, Flores 0.
Meralco 88 — Hugnatan 17, Newsome 17, Tolomia 15, Baracael 12, Hodge 7, Bono 5, Caram 5, Amer 4, Cañaleta 4, Dillinger 2, Ballesteros 0, Faundo 0, Lanete 0, Salva 0.
Quarterscores: 29-16, 48-37, 82-60, 107-88.
