Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
Terrence Romeo exploded for a career-high 44 points to carry GlobalPort over Rain or Shine, 117-99, and clinch a seat in the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals Sunday at Cuneta Astrodome.
The Batang Pier’s super scorer caught fire with a 20-point second quarter. He finished what he started, pouring 19 more points in the payoff period to seal the deal.
Romeo shot 8-of-15 from threes and collected six rebounds and six assists, while backcourt partner Stanley Pringle wound up with 28 markers, six boards, and five assists.
“It was a Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle story, but I guess you have to give credit to our defense,” said GlobalPort coach Franz Pumaren, as GlobalPort limited Rain or Shine to just 39-percent shooting from the field.
The Batang Pier as the sixth team to punch a playoff ticket as they wrapped up the elimination round with a 6-5 card.
“We needed this game and we proved something, that we have this character that we just won’t give up,” said Pumaren.
After GlobalPort held an 18-point lead, 90-72, with 7:47 remaining, Jeff Chan willed Rain or Shine back to cut the deficit to 11, 90-79.
But Romeo wanted no part of the E-Painters’ comeback bid as he pushed the lead back to 23, 111-88.
Chan topped Rain or Shine with 26 points, four rebounds, and four assists, while Jay Washington had 11 markers and five boards.
The Elasto Painters dropped to eighth place with a 5-5 record.
The scores:
GLOBALPORT 117 – Romeo 44, Pringle 28, Quinahan 11, Semerad 9, Pessumal 6, Canaleta 6, Maierhofer 4, Pennisi 3, Andrada 2, Cortez 2, Paredes 2, Mamaril 0, Urbiztondo 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 99 – Chan 26, Washington 11, Yap 9, Cruz 9, Ponferrada 8, Norwood 7, Belga 7, Tiu 7, Tolomia 5, Maiquez 4, Ahanmisi 3, Matias 3.
Quarters: 16-22, 50-50, 75-65, 117-99.