Gary David of Globalport (light) vs JV Casio (behind), Tony Dela Cruz #35 (beside) Wendell McKines and of Alaska (dark). Nuki Sabio/PBA
MANILA, Philippines — Gary David unleashed a triple with 9.3 ticks left and GlobalPort slipped past Alaska, 91-88, in the 2013 PBA Governors’ Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday.
It was the Batang Pier’s first victory over the Aces in history as they matched their franchise best record of 2-1.
“That’s a different team, with different personnel. We have 7 guys coming in, and an import who understands Filipino basketball,” said head coach Junel Baculi.
Import Markeith Cummings had 28 points and nine rebounds for Global Port, but it was a familiar hero in David which starred down the stretch.
The game-winner was actually the struggling David’s only second triple of the game, after nailing one with 3:26 to play to give the Batang Pier a brief 84-83 lead.
After Aces’ import Wendell McKines pulled two points back, Willie Miller took over and gave GlobalPort back-to-back buckets, 88-85.
Cyrus Baguio tied the game for Alaska with 1:07 left to play with a clutch trey of his own, but David — no stranger to pressure — was there to salvage GlobalPort.
“There was a special tribute for Gary earlier, and he showed he had heart after he drained that game winner,” said head coach Junel Baculi.
David was honored by the league before the game for his part in the heroic conquest of the men’s national team in the FIBA Asia Championships.
The scores:
GlobalPort 91 – Cummings 28, Miller 14, Washington 11, David 10, Mercado 9, Hayes 5, Nabong 4, Lingganay 4, Yee 4, Alonzo 2, Faundo 0.
Alaska 88 – McKines 28, Thoss 16, Baguio 13, Casio 11, Abueva 7, Espinas 6, Hontiveros 3, Ramos 2, Dela Cruz 2, Jazul 0.
Quarters: 19-26, 44-45, 68-68, 91-88