Batang Pier pulls plug on Bolts
Few among GlobalPort Batang Pier has a clear idea on when Terrence Romeo would be back from his knee injury.
"Iyung PT (physical therapist) na lang namin nakakaalam. Ako hindi ko talaga alam," was how coach Pido Jarencio responded to a query on Romeo's projected return.
What Jarencio knows is that his current group of Batang Pier are getting the job done in the continued absence of the team's top scorer, out with a knee injury.
Solid proof is GlobalPort's 107-88 victory over Meralco Bolts yesterday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Jonathan Grey came off the bench to match his career-high 24 points and lead a bunch of Batang Pier determined to bounce back from a bad loss their last time out.
As a result, GlobalPort emerged with its third win against as many losses for a share of fourth-running spot.
"Kapag si Terrence dumating makakapag-adjust kami sa kanya, pero itong team na ito ready na," said Jarencio.
"Ayaw naming mag-expect kung kailan siya babalik. Siyempre malaking bagay kapag nandiyan na si Terrence, pero ang mga players na ito talagang iyung commitment nandiyan."
The loss was Meralco's fourth in six games, notwithstanding the 17 points each by Chris Newsome and Reynel Hugnatan.
Mike Tolomia and Mark Baracael each chipped in at least 12 points, but the Bolts were in the game only in the first few minutes and could not match the Batang Pier when the latter fully stepped on the gas.
What hurt Meralco most was the early foul trouble Newsome got into, limiting him to just a little over 26 minutes of action.
The energy and effort, which resulted in a 105-76 win over Kia last Wednesday, also took the day off for the Bolts this time as they were completely outrebounded 67-46.
Other culprits for GlobalPort are SeanAnthony, who scattered 18 points while winning out on his hustle battle with Cliff Hodge, ex-Bolt Kelly Nabong snaring a new career-best 17 rebounds and as many points and Stanley Pringle also notching 17 for Jarencio.
With Joseph Gabayni, Bradwyn Guinto and Ryan Arana doing their part, GlobalPort even led by as much as 94-65, early in the fourth period, before dealing Meralco its worst loss of the season despite cruising to the finish.
"We finished stronger talaga," said Jarencio. "Everybody talagang all-out."
After finishing the first half strong for a 48-37 spread, GlobalPort continued to keep the pedal to the metal, led by Grey and Anthony, to stretch the difference to 86-62.
The scores: GLOBALPORT 107 –
Grey 24, Anthony 18, Pringle 17, Nabong 17, Gabayni 9, Araa 5, Guinto 5, Sargent 4, Juico 4, Elorde 2, Taha 2
MERALCO 88 –
Newsome 17, Hugnatan 17, Tolomia 15, Baracael 12, Hodge 7, Caram 5, Bono 5, Amer 4, Canaleta 4, Dillinger 2 —
PBA.com