SHOCKING.
That’s how most people described GlobalPort’s stunning 107-93 victory over favored Alaska in their opening salvo, but the two protagonists are set to go at it again in Game 2 of the 2015-16 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup.
With a 1-0 series lead and momentum on their side, the Batang Pier are looking for an encore as they aim to post a huge 2-0 series lead, but the Aces are determined to get the series back to square one when they collide again in Game 2 today at 7 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Pumped up in his semis debut, Terrence Romeo, the league’s leading scorer, dazzled his way to a career-high 41 points to power GlobalPort to a surprising 1-0 edge.
The Batang Pier caught the rusty Aces, who had a two-week layoff, off guard and seized the moment to hand themselves a good jumpstart.
A repeat performance in Game 2 tonight will certainly be big for Batang Pier, but GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio, quite aware of the capabilities of the veteran-laden and talented Alaska quintet, knows that there’s a long way to go.
“Nanalo kami nu’ng Game 1 and first win namin iyon sa semis pero siguradong mahaba pa ito,’’ said Jarencio. “Kailangan maging consistent kami. Alaska is a tough team and it’s going to be a long series for sure.’’
Compton agrees with that sentiment and was simply thankful that Game 1 was just the start of the long and winding series.
“Thank God Game 1 wasn’t a knockout game. We came out flat. They (GlobalPort) beat us and they deserve it,’’ he said.
The Aces mentor then cited one key factor that his wards need to do to even the series in Game 2 and avoid a huge 0-2 hole.
“Our lack of defense was huge in our Game 1 loss and we have to be better defensively to get back into it,’’ Compton added.
GlobalPort has been playing tremendously as it continues to prove that it is certainly a threat and contender, having won seven of their last eight games dating back to the elimination round.
Jarencio credited his team’s aggression and desire as the key components to the Batang Pier’s Game 1 victory.
“Aggressive ‘yung mga players namin. Gusto talaga nilang manalo. I told Terrence (Romeo) to just play his game. Full ang tiwala ko sa kanya, kay Stanley (Pringle) and sa buong team,’’ he said.
Game Tonight
(Game 2, Semifinals – Smart Araneta Coliseum):
7 p.m. – GlobalPort vs. Alaska