By Josh Castro
QUEZON CITY--The number one pick is back!
Stanley Pringle returned after missing the last two games to help GlobalPort defeat Talk 'n Text, 123-120, in their PBA Governors' Cup match at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Friday night.
Pringle scored 23 points in his comeback and made crucial baskets down the stretch, and the Batang Pier withstood a fourth quarter rally from the Tropang Texters.
GlobalPort led, 108-95, with 9:35 remaining in the fourth quarter, but Steffphon Pettigrew sparked a 17-6 Talk 'n Text rally to put the club, 114-112.
Keith Jensen scored two triples to build a 9-2 run by the Batang Pier to retake the lead, 121-116, with less than three minutes left. Pringle capped the run with a critical follow-up that extended the lead to five.
Ranidel De Ocampo and Jayson Castro made their own field goals, and the lead was down to one, 121-120, with 46.7 seconds to go.
Talk 'n Text had a crack for the lead as GlobalPort's offensive did not materialize, but Sam Daghles misfired in his attempt and Pringle added two free throws to stretech the lead to three with 11 seconds remaining.
Castro missed two triples that could have forced overtime, and the Batang Pier won for the fourth time this conference.
Pringle added four rebounds, five assists, and two steals in his return.
Jarrid Famous led GlobalPort with 27 points, 18 rebounds, and three blocks, while Terrence Romeo had 20 points and four assists.
Pettigrew made 35 points and 14 rebounds, while Castro contributed 34 points, four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Box Scores:
GlobalPort 123–Famous 27, Pringle 23, Romeo 20, Krayem 14, Kramer 10, Buenafe 9, Jensen 9, Semerad 7, Hayes 4, Mamaril 0
Talk ‘n Text 120–Pettigrew 35, Castro 34, Daghles 19, De Ocampo 10, Fonacier 7, Carey 6, Williams 4, Washington 3, Rosser 2, Seigle 0
Quarterscores: 27-24, 58-54, 99-91, 123-120
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