GlobalPort spoils Ramos’ Elite debut

Forward Sean Anthony did a little bit of everything last night as GlobalPort compounded the woes of struggling Blackwater, 117-106, for its second straight victory in the 2018 PBA Commissioners Cup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo City.

The 6-foot-4 Anthony came two assists shy of a triple-double with 29 points and 13 rebounds, doing most of the damage down the stretch where he teamed up with top guard Stanley Pringle to help the Batang Pier hold off the Elite’s late fightback.

Pringle, the sparkplug behind their offensive explosion in the third period, finished with 26 points, seven assists and six rebounds while import Malcolm White added 28 points and 10 rebounds as GlobalPort earned a strong follow-up to an 86-85 win over Meralco last Friday and improved its mark to 2-1.

“Marami pang kailangan ayusin pero at least ‘yung chemistry andun na,” said Batang Pier coach Pido Jarencio.

Reinforcement Jarrid Famous had another monster show with 41 points and 22 rebounds while Mike DiGregorio added 19 that all went down the drain as the Elite suffered their fourth straight setback, denying new tactician Bong Ramos a triumphant comeback.

Fil-Tongan big man Moala Tautuaa, back from a one-game suspension, also made his presence felt for GlobalPort with 14 points.

Late in the evening, import Reggie Johnson hit the go-ahead free throw with 7.8 seconds left as Rain or Shine edged NLEX, 98-97, to seize the solo lead.

The 6-foot-9 Johnson capped his 27point, 14-rebound showing by hitting the back-end of his charities off a foul by debuting Road Warriors counterpart Arnett Moultrie before fellow Elasto Painter Chris Tiu preserved his heroics with a crucial swipe against Juami Tiongson in the closing seconds.

It was the third straight victory in as many starts for Rain or Shine, while NLEX remained winless after two starts.