Globalport welcomes new coach, defeats Alaska in tune-up

MANILA, Philippines — Globalport showcased the depth of its overhauled roster and defeated Alaska, 102-92, in a tune-up match at the Gatorade Hoops Gym on Saturday ahead of the 2013 PBA Philippine Cup opening.

The Batang Pier, who brought in nine new players and a new head coach coming into the season, needed time to settle in — but later on showed how deep their line-up was.

Sol Mercado led with 21 points, 16 in the second half where Globalport snatched the lead from the Aces and never looked back.

Rookie Terrence Romeo blended well with Mercado on the floor and added 18 points, while Nico Salva, after looking tentative at first, scored all but three of his 13 points in the payoff period.

Their efforts helped fend off the Cyrus Baguio-led attack of the Aces in the last seven minutes of the match.

“It’s all about the effort, they just wanted to show that they will compete in this coming conference,” said interim head coach Richie Ticzon.

Ticzon replaced Junel Baculi, who officially parted ways with the Batang Pier, as confirmed by team owner Mikee Romero who was present at the game.

Ticzon, who coached along with Nash Racela in the PBA D-League last year, is taking over the team on a temporary basis, according to Romero.

Earlier, Asi Taulava powered Air21 to another win, this time over Talk N’ Text, 121-117. The 40-year-old center had 21 points in the victory.