GlobalPort deputy on collapse: ‘We stopped playing defense’

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Christmas may be over but GlobalPort experienced what it’s like getting a visit from the Grinch. 

On Wednesday, the Batang Pier was having their way against Phoenix but nothing would have prepared them against the Fuel Masters’ furious fourth-quarter fightback.

Globalport assistant coach Cholo Villanueva said it was his team’s lackadaisical defensive effort in the final period that ultimately led to their 101-99 loss to Phoenix. 

“We stopped playing defense, we stopped running up and down in transition,” said Villanueva as the Batang Pier slipped to 3-3 while the Fuel Masters leapfrogged them to a 4-3 slate. “This helped them get easy points and defensive rebounds.”

Phoenix stole the ball seven times and forced GlobalPort to 19 turnovers as the Fuel Masters took full advantage of th Batang Pier’s miscues to convert 18 points off turnovers. 

Rebounding was also an issue for GlobalPort with the Fuel Masters taking a distinct 56-48 advantage and converting 25 second chance points. 

“Of course it’s unfortunate that we ended this year with a loss but we always look forward to the next game to bounce back,” said Villanueva who filled-in for head coach Franz Pumaren. “So we’ll just learn from this and hopefully bounce back in the next game.”