Smith’s 40 lifts Blackwater past GlobalPort
Blackwater import Greg Smith. PBA IMAGES
Greg Smith willed Blackwater past GlobalPort, 118-113, for its first win in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Smith, the former NBA veteran, bullied his way to 40 points and 19 rebounds as the Elite improved to 1-4.
“After four heartbreaking losses, finally we’re able to break into the win column. This time, we played a lot smarter in the crucial moments of the game,” said Blackwater head coach Leo Isaac.
“He’s good. The thing is sometimes he gets frustrated so we’re mending ways on how we can involve him more,” Isaac said of his burly import, who had stints with the Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves. He’s a competitor and he still has a chance to make it back to the NBA. He’s only 26 years old.”
The Elite, who are playing minus three injured key players in Mac Belo, Art dela Cruz and JP Erram, turned to Smith down the stretch and also drew timely plays from guards Nard Pinto and Mike DiGregorio.
Blackwater took a 114-105 lead after a hook shot by Smith before Romeo and Pringle brought GlobalPort within one, 114-113, with 1:09 remaining.
But Smith scored off a goaltending call on White as the Elite grabbed a 116-113 lead with 58.8 ticks left.
Smith unleashed 15 points in the final frame, where Blackwater rallied from seven points down.
DiGregorio added 18 points capped by two free throws that sealed the game with 5.9 seconds left. Pinto chipped in nine points and seven rebounds, including a crucial one off a miss by Smith that led to DiGregorio’s freebies.
“Hopefully, the win will boost our morale and confidence for us to be a better team,” said Isaac.
The Batang Pier slid to 0-4 despite getting huge production from Terrence Romeo and new import Malcolm White, who combined for 68 points.
Romeo led all locals with 35 points on 13-of-18 shooting from the field, highlighted by nine triples, while White, who replaced Sean Williams, had 33 points, 17 rebounds and two blocks in his PBA debut.
