GlobalPort beats Alaska in semis opener behind Romeo’s 41

Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

Terrence Romeo set his career-high and GlobalPort stunned top seed Alaska with a wire-to-wire win, 107-93, to take Game 1 of their best-of-seven semifinals series in the 2016 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup Monday night at Mall of Asia Arena.

Romeo torched the Aces, one of the best defensive teams in the league, with 41 points on 12 -of-21 shooting from the field in nearly 40 minutes of action.

“We all know that Alaska is a tough team. It’s going to be a long series,” said GlobalPort head coach Pido Jarencio.

The Batang Pier were playing in their first semifinals game but their inexperience playing in such stage hardly showed with Romeo leading the way.

GlobalPort zoomed to an early 24-6 lead then repelled repeated rallies by Alaska in the second half.

JVee Casio pulled the Aces to their closest at six, 79-73, with 30.6 seconds in the third quarter before the Batang Pier held on with Romeo and veteran big man Billy Mamaril combining for 19 fourth-quarter points to match the Aces’ output in the period.

The 23-year-old guard had 13 points in the first period then added 11 more in the fourth, including two free throws with under 20 seconds left to reset his career high built on 6-of-11 shooting from deep.

Stanley Pringle added 14 points, six rebounds, four assists and a block as he and Romeo caused major headaches for the Aces, who tried to put different defenders on both stars to no avail.

“GlobalPort had an excellent game plan and they executed it. They deserve this win,” said Alaska coach Alex Compton, who rued his team’s poor defense and woeful 18-of-33 shooting at the free throw line.

Big men Vic Manuel and Sonny Thoss posted double-doubles for Alaska while Cyrus Baguio scored a team-high 15 points. Manuel had 14 points and 11 rebounds while Thoss contributed 12 points and 12 rebounds.

Game 2 is on Wednesday night at Smart Araneta Coliseum.