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Learning its lesson from last game’s meltdown, GlobalPort staved off Meralco with a 97-89 victory Friday in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.
Terrence Romeo took charge and unloaded 12 of his 27 points in the fourth to quash the Bolts’ late rally and help snap the Batang Pier’s two-game skid. He also had five rebounds and five assists.
Nino Canaleta chipped in 13 markers and four boards, while Mike Cortez and Billy Mamaril both had 12.
“We needed that win. We had a bad experience last game, we were ahead and weren’t able to keep our composure,” said coach Franz Pumaren, referring to GlobalPort’s 101-99 loss to Phoenix last December 28, where it lost a commanding 26-point lead.
“Together, the players didn’t rush and they didn’t panic, they stuck to the game plan, played within system not like our last game. We did what we’re supposed to do.”
It was the supporting crew which enabled GlobalPort to establish a 16-point edge, 44-28, in the second quarter before Jonathan Grey caught fire after the halftime break and closed Meralco within one, 72-71, at the end of the third.
Chris Newsome would tie the game at 74 with a rim-rattling dunk early in the payoff period, but Romeo and Canaleta conspired for a 7-0 run for an 81-74 edge that allowed Globalport to pull away.
The Batang Pier moved to joint fourth place tie at 4-3 with Blackwater and Phoenix and kept their hopes of nabbing a top two spot alive.
“With this win, at least were still behind a game of the top spot. In these crucial stages of the tournament, I wish we could sustain our run,” said Pumaren.
Reynel Hugnatan topped Meralco with 23 points and five rebounds, while Grey had 18 markers and six boards.
Their scintillating showing, though, couldn’t stop the Bolts from falling to their fourth straight loss and plummet to a 2-5 slate.
The Scores:
GLOBALPORT 97 – Romeo 27, Canaleta 13, Mamaril 12, Cortez 12, Quinahan 11, Pringle 9, Aban 9, Mierhofer 2, Paredes 2, Banal 0, Urbiztondo 0, Pessumal 0.
MERALCO 89 – Hugnatan 23, Grey 18, Newsome 16, Hodge 12, Daquioag 12, Buenafe 3, Faundo 2, Caram 2, Amer 1, Uyloan 0, Nabong 0, Ferriols 0.
Quarters: 26-19, 51-41, 72-71, 97-89.