TERRENCE Romeo just could not be denied.
The fiery scorer was once again in his element, scoring a game-high 29 points to power GlobalPort to its second straight victory–a hard-earned 96-90 dumping of inconsistent NLEX in the 2015 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
Stanley Pringle was just as impressive, scoring 27 points on 10-of-13 shooting, while grabbing 10 rebounds as he and Romeo once again joined forces to steer Batang Pier to victory.
With the win, GlobalPort is now in solo fifth place with a 5-3 mark. More importantly, the Batang Pier moved a step closer to a spot in the quarterfinals, while NLEX is tied at sixth with idle Barangay Ginebra (4-4 cards).
“Talagang focused kami to win this game para maka-separate sa NLEX,’’ said GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio. “Medyo steady na ‘yung team. Our players worked really hard.’’
Still feeling the momentum of his previous performances, Romeo was all business right from the get-go as the Batang Pier superstar and resident scorer’s high-octane offense allowed GlobalPort to seize control early.
Romeo scored 22 of his points in the first 24 minutes, helping the Batang Pier build a whopping 19-point cushion, 54-35, at intermission.
His backcourt partner Pringle and forward Keith Jensen also turned in impressive first-half showings as they were already in double-figures as well, with 13 and 12 markers, respectively, at the turn.
The trio of Romeo, Pringle and Jensen combined for a whopping 47 points of their team’s 54 in the decisive first half.
That huge jumpstart in the first half was the difference for GlobalPort.
The gritty Road Warriors, however, fought back and outscored the Batang Pier, 35-24, in the third to get themselves in the game and trail by a manageable seven points, 70-77, heading into the payoff period.
NLEX kept grinding it out until it was able to inch to within just two, 90-92, after a three-point play from Kevin Alas with 1:12 remaining.
But GlobalPort kept its cool as Billy Mamaril answered with two free throws on the other end for more insurance to make it 94-90 with under a minute left.
The Road Warriors, who have now lost two straight, ran out of gas in the dying seconds and the Batang Pier was able to formalize the wire-to-wire victory.
Jensen finished with 14 points for GlobalPort.
Asi Taulava was a monster for NLEX as he likewise scored a game-high 29 markers along with 12 rebounds.
In a rare Thursday playdate, the PBA has a double-header offering today with Talk ‘N Text (4-2) and Barako Bull (3-4) going at it at 4:15 p.m., followed by co-league leader Alaska (6-1) facing cellar-dweller Meralco (1-7) at 7 p.m. at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The scores:
GLOBALPORT 96—Romeo 29, Pringle 27, Jensen 14, Mamaril 9, Kramer 7, Washington 6, Pena 2, Sumang 2, Maierhofer 0, Semerad 0, Taha 0, Yeo 0.
NLEX 90—Taulava 29, Anthony 17, Villanueva J. 10, Alas 9, Cardona 8, Villanueva E. 8, Khobuntin 5, Enciso 2, Lanete 2, Arboleda 0, Borboran 0, Reyes 0.
Quarters: 24-16, 53-35, 77-70, 96-90
