GLOBALPORT import Steve Thomas (right) thwarts a shot by Star’s Marqus Blakely (left). MARIANNE BERMUDEZ
GLOBALPORT extended its finest conference start last night, and the Batang Pier just sweetened the pot by conquering the Star (formerly Purefoods) Hotshots for the first time in their PBA lives.
Asian import Omar Krayem tossed in 17 of his 20 points in the final two periods and Stanley Pringle contributed all his 15 in the same stretch as the Batang Pier clipped the defending Governors’ Cup champion Hotshots, 91-89, for a 3-0 card at Mall of Asia Arena.
Terrence Romeo scored 17 points and pinch-hitting import Steven Thomas added 12 as Globalport, after eight previous failed bids, finally scored one over Tim Cone and the star-studded Hotshots crew.
“This is our first time to beat Purefoods,” Globalport coach Pido Jarencio, who has taken great advantage of the second lease of his coaching career, told reporters. “This is very positive for the team. We beat the defending champions.”
In the nightcap, San Miguel Beer barged into the win column with a 104-91 win over debuting Rain or Shine.
Import Arizona Reid topscored with 36 points while June Mar Fajardo added 24 for the Beermen who now tote a 1-2 card.
Krayem drained two triples from way out in the fourth period, while Pringle, a prime candidate for the Rookie of the Year award, came up with the play of the night with 12.1 seconds to go when he humbled Marc Pingris’ defense for 91-87.
It was also a great win for the Batang Pier considering that the Hotshots had control for most of the game. The Hotshots led by as many as 10, 42-32, and were 80-77 up going into the final six minutes.
Marqus Blakely tossed in 19 points that went with 17 rebounds, five assists and three steals to pace Star, but the other usual heavy scorers like PJ Simon and James Yap combined for just 22.
Thomas, who saw action for defunct Air21 several years ago, arrived Monday afternoon from Thailand and had just an hour’s practice.
Jarencio praised Thomas’ professionalism in taking over from the ineffective Patrick O’Bryant and giving it his all even if he knows that he will be here for just over a week.
Jared Famous, an agile 6-foot-11 center who once saw action for Lebanon in the 2012 Jones Cup which Gilas Pilipinas won, will be jetting in next week to be the third American reinforcement for the Batang Pier.
Meanwhile, KIA Motors battles Barangay Ginebra today at 7 p.m. at Cuneta Astrodome.
The first game will have Meralco shooting for a second straight victory against sister squad NLEX at 4:15 p.m.
The scores:
First Game
GLOBALPORT 91—Krayem 20, Romeo 17, Pringle 15, Thomas 12, Buenafe 8, Kramer 7, Semerad 3, Miranda 3, Mamaril 2, Isip 2, Jensen 2, Taha 0, Ponferada 0, Pinto 0, Hayes 0.
STAR 89—Blakely 19, Yap 12, Mallari 11, Simon 10, Barroca 9, Melton 8, Pingris 6, Devance 5, Pennisi 5, Maliksi 4, Reavis 0, Gaco 0, Allado 0, Alvarez 0.
Quarters: 23-16, 38-43, 65-68, 91-89
Second Game
SAN MIGUEL 104—Reid 36, Fajardo 22, Cabagnot 9, Lassiter 9, Tubid 8, Santos 6, Lutz 4, Ross 4, Espinas 4, Reyes 2, Omolon 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 91—McKines 19, Lee 17, Norwood 12, Quinahan 12, Cruz Jericho 11, Almazan 8, Uyloan 7, Ibanes 3, Belga 2, Teng 0, Arana 0, Cruz Jervy 0.
Quarters: 25-20, 43-42, 75-59, 104-91