IT didn’’t take long for the newbies of GlobalPort to make a difference.
With a lot of help from their new recruits, the Batang Pier came through in the clutch to pull off an impressive 94-86 upset victory over erstwhile league leader Meralco and keep their chances alive in the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
Newcomers Justin Harper, a new import in town, and recently acquired Sean Anthony, delivered big for their new team, leading GlobalPort to the big win.
Harper scored a game-high 30 points and hauled nine rebounds to impress in his PBA debut, while Anthony was solid with 18 points on 6-of-8 shooting, to go with eight rebounds for the Batang Pier.
The game was hanging in the balance as it was tied at 81-all with under five minutes left, but GlobalPort showed its urgency down the stretch to take this much-needed win.
The Batang Pier flexed their muscles and ended the game with a burly 13-5 finishing kick to complete the stunner.
As a result, GlobalPort improved to 3-6 and moved a game away from eighth placed Phoenix, while Meralco lost the top spot, falling to third with its now 7-2 record.
Each team has two games remaining in their elimination-round schedule.
Meralco, already in the quarterfinals, is chasing a Top 2 finish and a twice-to-beat incentive, while GlobalPort just plainly wants to be a part of the playoffs.
Yesterday’s playdate is the tournament’s last for the week as the league will observe a one-week break to give way to the SEABA Championship that will take place starting tomorrow until May 18.
Action resumes on May 19.
The scores:
GLOBALPORT 94—Harper 30, Anthony 18, Pringle 16, Cortez 13, Guinto 8, Grey 3, Pessumal 2, Paredes 2, Mamaril 2, Forrester 0, Urbiztondo 0.
MERALCO 86—Stepheson 19, Chua 16, Dillinger 14, Amer 11, Newsome 8, Uyloan 6, Daquioag 2, Hodge 2, Yeo 2, Caram 2, Hugnatan 2, Nabong 2, Faundo 0.
Quarterscores: 26-25, 43-42, 61-65, 94-86.