Elorde 3-pointer KOs Beermen Scion of boxing great, Pringle combine to deal San Mig defeat

Nico Elorde hit a go-ahead triple while Stanley Pringle’s hustle led to a crucial stop as GlobalPort snapped defending champion San Miguel’s three-game winning streak with a 9894 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Elorde’s open three from the left elbow gave the Batang Pier a 95-92 lead, 48.1 seconds remaining, even as Pringle deflected Arwind Santos’ high inbound pass two possessions later before diving for the ball to feed Mo Tautuaa for a breakaway transition layup that made it 97-94 with 20 ticks left.

The two plays allowed GlobalPort to complete a determined comeback from a 12-point third quarter deficit while playing sans import Malcolm White in the final 8:09 due to a second technical foul. The Batang Pier moved to fifth place in the standings with an even 4-4 record.

“Motivation sa amin yung pagkawala ni Malcolm White,” said GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio. “Positive talaga for us ang pagkawala niya dahil yun ang nagbigay ng energy sa ibang players kaya this is a big win for us.”

Pringle had 22 points, six rebounds, eight assists and three steals despite coming off a stint representing the Philippines in the FIBA 3x3 World Cup while Elorde finished with six points, seven rebounds and five assists for the Batang Pier.

White scored 25 points but was tossed after getting a technical for a second motion, hitting Renaldo Balkman with a forearm as the SMB import was converting a layup. White got a first T in the second quarter for continuous complaining. GlobalPort refused to waver despite White’s ejection as Pringle played as if he had not played in the 3x3 World Cup, scoring layups and setting up assists for teammates.

It was Pringle who fed Elorde for the crucial three when he drew all five Beermen on a penetration and then found the former Ateneo guard open with the game tied at 92-all.