Motivated Globalport upends Talk ‘N Text in high-scoring thriller

Stanley Pringle. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

An inspired Globalport looked unfazed as it took care of Talk ‘N Text, 123-120, in their PBA Governor’s Cup showdown on Friday at Smart-Araneta Coliseum.

It was the Batang Pier’s fourth win in six matches and they got to the third seed with their head coach Pido Jarencio dedicating the game to his older brother, Giovanni, who passed away on Monday.

“This game is dedicated to my brother Giovanni,” Jarencio said, his voice hoarse. “This is for his family.”

On sheer hustle and tremendous shooting, the Batang Pier battled hard with the league powers as they took a 121-116 lead with Stanley Pringle going up for a short jumper off an offensive rebound with 2:42 remaining.

Talk N’ Text, however, fought back when Ranidel de Ocampo danced in the post to cut the deficit to three, 121-118, then Jayson Castro sliced through the defense to put the Texters closer 121-120 with 46.7 remaining.

Then it was time for defense.

With 26.7 seconds remaining in the game, Anthony Semerad pestered the Texters’ Asian import Sam Daghles, forcing him to a bad running hook.

Semerad then cleaned up the mess with a rebound.

Castro had two chances to tie the game with 11 seconds remaining but his two triples never found the bottom of the net.

A well-balanced offense led the way for Globalport with import Jarrid Famous anchoring down for 27 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks.

Pringle had 23 points and five assists while Terrence Romeo added 20 points for Globalport. Omar Krayem and Doug Kramer combined for 24 points for the Batang Pier.

Steffphon Pettigrew and Castro went crazy for the Texters with the import going off for 35 points and 14 boards while Asia’s best point guard had 34 points. RC

The scores:

GLOBALPORT 123—Famous 27, Pringle 23, Romeo 20, Krayem 14, Kramer 10, Buenafe 9, Jensen 9, Semerad 7, Hayes 4, Mamaril 0

TALK ‘N TEXT 120—Pettigrew 35, Castro 34, Daghles 19, De Ocampo 10, Fonacier 7, Carey 6, Williams 4, Washington 3, Rosser 2, Seigle 0

Quarters: 27-24, 58-54, 99-91, 123-120