FOLLOWING a lukewarm first half, GlobalPort exploded in a decisive third-quarter surge to dismantle woeful Blackwater, 117-106, for its second straight win in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City last night.
Sean Anthony flexed his muscles once again, producing monster numbers of 29 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists in a near triple-double effort to lead the Batang Pier.
Likewise impressive, Malcolm White continued his steady play, helping out GlobalPort with 28 markers and eight boards, while Stanley Pringle also had a field day with 26 points, six rebounds and seven assists.
The Batang Pier found their stroke uncorked a strong rampage in the third, heavily outscoring the Elite, 35-17, to turn the tides in its favor after trailing by double-digits several times in the first half.
GlobalPort opened up a huge 16-point cushion, 97-81, entering the final 12 minutes of play and never looked back.
As a result, this second win in a row lifted the Batang Pier to a 2-1 slate, putting it near the top of the heap.
GlobalPort fired from all cylinders in the second half and the struggling Elite simply had no answer.
The woes continued for the Elite as they remained winless, staying at the bottom with an atrocious 0-4 card.
Jarrid Famous’ game-high 41 points went for naught as his squad was once again unable to list its first win.
Blackwater worked its way to an early double-digit lead, 28-18, 10 minutes into the game and took a 35-30 edge at the end of one.
The Elite then continued their ascent and established several 12-point leads midway in the second quarter to have a firmer grip on the contest.
However, GlobalPort ended the first half strong, unleashing an 18-8 run, to inch to within just two, 64-62, at intermission to make it anyone’s game heading the second half.
Both imports already hit the 20-point mark at the half.
Bong Ramos made his debut as the new Blackwater head coach.
Three days ago, Ramos was appointed after then mentor Leo Isaac was let go by the franchise.
He already had a previous PBA coaching stint with then franchise Air21 earlier in the decade.
The scores:
GLOBALPORT 117—Anthony 29, White 28, Pringle 26, Tautuaa 14, Elorde 6, Grey 5, Araña 4, Guinto 3, Sargent 2, Teng 0, Gabayni 0, Viernes 0.
BLACKWATER 106—Famous 41, DiGregorio 19, Belo 11, Erram 11, Sumang 10, Sena 7, Maliksi 5, Marcelo 2, Cruz 0, Pinto 0.
Quarterscores: 30-35, 62-64, 97-81, 117-106.