The Mahindra Enforcers were close to scoring an upset victory over the Globalport Batang Pier Saturday night, but the latter’s star backcourt duo just did enough to save Globalport from the jaws of defeat.
Mahindra were up 103-101 in regulation when Stanley Pringle hit a tough fadeaway jumper to beat the buzzer, sending the game into extension.
Karl Dehesa, who had a splendid night personally for the Enforcers with 23 points and 8 assists, did everything he could to challenge the shot, but it still went in.
“I was staying in front. I thought I had him. He is a great player and he made a great shot. I did what I could, you just have to live with that,” Dehesa said.
In overtime, it was Terrence Romeo who delivered the jarring blows as he turned a 115-110 Mahindra lead, with only a minute remaining, into a 118-116 win for Globalport as he knocked down a three and followed it up with a crossover move and layup.
Romeo had struggled all night, missing his first 12 shots from long range before the game-tying triple which knotted the count at 116 apiece.
Dehesa wasn’t surprised Romeo delivered in the clutch, knowing his ability to take charge.
“He got two big buckets for them. He is a great player. He is not going to stop attacking, he is not going to stop shooting. You just got to stay with him because is eventually going to get hot,” he said.
Romeo finished with 29 points, ten rebounds, and eight assists, while Pringle added 29 points, eight rebounds, and seven assists.
“I don’t think we rushed things. We were taking what we had, and we were up. We were winning but we couldn’t get some stops and couldn’t get some free throws. In overtime, you need whatever you can get. It’s just something to learn and build upon,” Dehesa added.
Though disappointed, Dehesa is looking forward to the Enforcers’ final game against the Blackwater Elite next week, which may virtually be a win-or-go-home affair for the two sides.
“We just have to take care of Blackwater. We are all focused and we all want to win. Getting to the playoffs, it’s against another expansion team. It’s a big deal for both teams and I think both of us will be ready to play.”
