Jarencio, Globalport welcome long break before crucial battles ahead

Photo by Tristan Tamayo/ INQUIRER.net

GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio would rather stick to the positives as his side remains in the running for a quarterfinal spot in the 2018 PBA Philippine Cup.

After losing to Magnolia, 96-81, on Friday, the outspoken mentor put the spotlight on the scheduling advantage the Batang Pier has into their final two elimination games as they will be well-rested for their remaining assignments this conference.

“At least, we have a five-day break before we go against Kia. And after Kia, it will be a 10-day rest before we face Phoenix. That’s going to be big for us,” he said.

GlobalPort faces the Picanto on Wednesday before taking on the Fuel Masters on March 2.

Jarencio highlighted the importance of this respite as he looks at this stretch as a make-or-break for the Batang Pier.

“It’s big because you’re not tired. Just like what happened to TNT, they played three games in a week. When they faced us, they struggled because we were well-rested and they were fatigued. They had a hard time to recover,” he said.

That’s exactly what worked against GlobalPort in the tussle after playing its second game in three days, with Jarencio struggling to find a spark in his lineup.

“There’s no spark left and we can’t do anything. We were up by 12 points, but when the second half came, that’s when everything went downhill for us. Stanley (Pringle) could no longer shoot,” he said, as his leading scorer was limited to just five points in an awful 1-of-12 shooting from the field.

Still, Jarencio lauded how his wards fought, a character which he believes will be a good building block going into the Batang Pier’s last two games.

“At least you saw the team compete,” he said. “We have a good chance to make it to the playoffs if we can recover. We’re just ready. At least, the team will be well-rested.”