GLOBALPORT produced one of its best performances thus far, taking a masterful 117-99 drubbing of ailing Rain or Shine to finally punch a ticket in the quarterfinals of the 2017 Philippine Basketball Association Philippine Cup at the Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay City Sunday.
In probably having his best game of his career, superstar Terrence Romeo exploded for a career-high 44 points, including eight triples to go with six rebounds and six assists to power his team.
Again at their best, the tandem of Romeo and Stanley Pringle struck big, each having tremendous nights to lead the Batang Pier to this much-needed victory.
Pringle, likewise, had a rock-solid game, grabbing 28 points, six rebounds and four assists as he and Romeo relentlessly killed the Elasto Painters with their scoring.
“Confidence lang going into the game. Hindi kami puwede mag-relax, so binuhos ko talaga lahat,” said Romeo of his remarkable performance.
GlobalPort wrapped up its campaign at 6-5. It not only made the quarters officially, but also kept its chance of claiming the No. 2 seed and the twice-to-beat advantage that goes with it in the next phase.
The woes continued for Rain or Shine (5-5) as it lost its third straight. Now, it needs to win its last assignment against Alaska on Wednesday to ensure itself a spot in the next round.
Led by the sensational scoring prowess of Romeo and Pringle, GlobalPort was able to cruise its way over Rain or Shine.
After a 50-all standstill after the first half, it was all Batang Pier the rest of the way as it powered its way in the second half.
GlobalPort took the third quarter, 25-15, to carry a 75-65 lead into the fourth.
It continued its onslaught in the fourth, where it even led by more than 20 points.
The scores:
GLOBALPORT 117 – Romeo 44, Pringle 28, Quinahan 11, Semerad 9, Pessumal 6, Canaleta 6, Maierhofer 4, Pennisi 3, Andrada 2, Cortez 2, Paredes 2, Mamaril 0, Urbiztondo 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 99 – Chan 26, Washington 11, Yap 9, Cruz 9, Ponferada 8, Norwood 7, Belga 7, Tiu 7, Tolomia 5, Maiquez 4, Ahanmisi 3, Matias 3.
Quarterscores: 16-22, 50-50, 75-65, 117-99