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GlobalPort bucks late struggles to snap Phoenix's franchise-best start

PBA
By Ivan Saldajeno

QUEZON CITY—Two conferences ago, GlobalPort suffered a huge collapse and let Phoenix walk away with the victory despite leading by 26 points.

The Batang Pier seemed to have learned the lesson from it.

GlobalPort, despite nearly blowing a huge lead again, spoiled Phoenix's plans to go on top of the standings in the PBA Governors' Cup with a rout at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday night.

The Batang Pier pummeled the Fuel Masters in the first half, quickly opening a 37-15 lead that would be extended to a 30-point margin, 75-45, in the third quarter.

But Phoenix opened the fourth quarter with a flurry, outscoring GlobalPort, 24-6, in the first nine minutes of the period to cut the lead to just five, 88-83.

Crucial baskets from Ryan Araña, Murphey Holloway, and Terrence Romeo saved the Batang Pier's cause.

Holloway, who quickly replaced Jabril Trawick as GlobalPort's import for the season-ending tournament, finished with 29 points, 26 rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and two steals.

Terrence Romeo added 21 points, two rebounds, and five assists for the Batang Pier, who won their first game of the conference.

Eugene Phelps carried the fight for the Fuel Masters, who suffered their first loss after a franchise-best 2-0 start, with 32 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, one block, and one steal.

Box Scores:

GlobalPort 100-Holloway 29, Romeo 21, Arana 13, Pringle 11, Anthony 9, Grey 5, Van Opstal 4, Guinto 3, Pennisi 3, Ababou 0, Cortez 0, Mamaril 0

Phoenix 91-Phelps 32, Eriobu 11, Intal 11, Jazul 10, Baguio 5, Alolino 5, Dehesa 5, W. Wilson 4, Wright 4, J. Wilson 2, Kramer 2, Hayes 0, Borboran 0.

Quarterscores: 26-15, 54-36, 82-59, 100-91

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno