Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Already out of playoff contention, GlobalPort eliminated Phoenix with a 125-118 win in the 2016 PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Terrence Romeo came out like a house on fire, pouring 25 of his 40 points in the first half. He also dished out six assists and had two rebounds to help snap the Batang Pier’s seven-game losing skid.
Import Shawn Taggart finished what Romeo started en route to a 45-point, 18-rebound night including a game-clinching drive with 26.7 seconds left.
“I’m thankful for the guys, especially Terrence and Billy (Mamaril). I told them, if it’s possible, win this game for me,” said assistant team manager Johnedel Cardel, who called the shots for the game. “Whatever happens, I’m happy that I was able to feel what winning feels like. I’m happy they responded.”
Motivated to end the forgettable conference on a good note, the Batang Pier took charge early and grabbed a 17-point lead, 86-69, courtesy of a Romeo-led 21-6 tear in the third period. The Fuel Masters still tried to claw back, but Taggart kept them at bay.
GlobalPort wrapped up its campaign in the second round with a 3-8 record while Phoenix plays its final ga
me this conference against San Miguel on Sunday.
RR Garcia paced the Fuel Masters with 21 points, four rebounds, and six assists, while Mick Pennisi went 5-of-7 from threes to end up with 17 markers.
The scores:
GLOBALPORT 125 – Taggart 45, Romeo 40, Taha 12, Mamaril 9, Fortuna 8, Jensen 7, Kramer 2, Washington 2, Semerad 0, Uyloan 0.
PHOENIX 118 – Garcia 21, Pennisi 17, Baracael 14, Wilson 13, Intal 12, Pinkney 11, Brondial 10, Monfort 9, Lanete 8, Urbiztondo 3, Knuttel 0.
Quarters: 34-25, 65-59, 97-87, 125-118.