One more game.
Jonathan Grey struck for the game-winning triple with 11.5 seconds remaining as No. 8 GlobalPort shocked top seed Rain or Shine, 114-113, to force a do-or-die game in the 2018 Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup quarterfinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday night.
Down by two and with the ball in hand, the Batang Pier was supposed to go to import Malcolm White, but when he was forced to pass to Grey, the latter answered the call and sniped in a tough go-ahead three-pointer in the right corner with defense all over him, giving GlobalPort a 114-113 edge.
Still with a chance to salvage the game, the Elasto Painters, who owned a twice-to-beat incentive coming in, had several attempts in the waning seconds but all of those went astray as Gabe Norwood, Reggie Johnson and Maverick Ahanmisi all misfired, allowing the Batang Pier to complete the stunning comeback and upset win.
Now, GlobalPort, which trailed by as much as 16 points at one point and played catch-up for most part, and Rain or Shine, will figure in a winner-take-all decider tomorrow night.
Grey may have come out of age, as his game-winner was only the tip of the iceberg. He was brilliant all night long, finishing with 22 points, 12 in the fourth, including the game-winner.
“Scramble na ‘yung last play na ‘yun. Dapat kay Malcolm (White) ‘yung play but na-double team siya and ipinasa niya sa akin. No choice na ako when I got the ball so tinira ko na lang with confidence,” said Grey of his campaign-saving triple for GlobalPort.
Despite playing with foul trouble late, White managed to collect a game-high 28 points and 16 rebounds for the Batang Pier, while Stanley Pringle almost had a triple-double with 21 points, nine rebounds and nine assists.
The game was tied at 110-all with just under two minutes and Rain or Shine had every opportunity to seal the game.
Leading 112-110 heading the final minute, the Painters could’ve iced the game but Ahanmisi missed three of four free throws, leaving the door open for GlobalPort.
The Batang Pier surely capitalized as it scored four critical points with none bigger than the last three of Grey.
Rain or Shine led for most part, even taking several double-digit leads in the third, but GlobalPort showed resiliency and hung around to give itself a chance in the fourth.
The Elasto Painters was unable to finish off the Batang Pier as the latter summoned all its strength late to save its campaign.
The scores:
GlobalPort 114 – White 28, Grey 22, Pringle 21, Anthony 11, Elorde 7, Taha 6, Tautuaa 6, Javelona 4, Teng 3, Eapinas 3, Guinto 3, Arana 0.
Rain or Shine 113 – Johnson 24, Almazan 17, Ahanmisi 15, Daquioag 14, Tiu 10, Norwood 9, Belga 8.
Quarters: 24-26, 52-60, 83-91, 114-113.