‘Happy ending’ for Globalport with 1st win under Jarencio

Alex Cabagnot of GlobalPort (light) vs Mick Pennisi and Jeric Fortuna of Barako Bull (dark). PBA IMAGE by Nuki Sabio

MANILA, Philippines – Globalport was well on its way to avoiding a winless conference Sunday.

The Batang Pier almost let that opportunity slip away before salvaging a 98-96 win over the Barako Bull Energy in the 2014 PLDT Home Tvolution PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“At least happy ending,” said Globalport head coach Pido Jarencio in his first win as a PBA chief mentor. “Last game of conference, we were able to win and it’s a stepping stone for the next conference.”

Veteran point guard Alex Cabagnot scored 14 points, highlighted by a clutch go-ahead 3-pointer, 96-93, with 10 seconds left as the Batang Pier escaped a blistering rally by the Energy from 19 points down.

Cabagnot also had six rebounds, nine assists and four steals two days after putting up 29 points in a narrow 91-92 loss to top seeded Talk ‘N Text, which swept the elimination round.

Evan Brock had 27 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks to lead Globalport, which finally barged into the win column after nine outings.

Josh Dollard tallied 22 points and 14 rebounds for Barako Bull while JC Intal posted 16 points, including a trey, which tied the game at 93 with only 59 ticks remaining.

The loss booted the Energy (2-7) out of quarterfinals contention.