GlobalPort beats import-less TNT behind Romeo's explosion

PBA

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--Despite getting a relief as Ivan Johnson's suspension was reduced to a season-long ban, Talk 'n Text was not able to get a replacement for him come its PBA Commissioner's Cup match against GlobalPort on Friday night, forcing the team to play all-Filipino for the second time this conference.

Terrence Romeo seized the opportunity.

Romeo made another statement game as he poured in 33 points to lift the Batang Pier over the Tropa, 108-101, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

However, TNT somewhat kept the game interesting in the end.

GlobalPort, behind Romeo, opened a 21-point lead, 85-64, in the third quarter, and appeared to be heading to an east victory.

But TNT found itself back in the game in the fourth quarter, trimming the lead to as low as five points, the last at 100-95 with 3:02 left in the game.

Romeo fired a dagger triple with 2:43 remaining to put the Batang Pier up by eight, 103-95, as they smothered the Tropa defensively in the end.

Romeo also got four rebounds, three assists, and one steal even as Calvin Warner contributed 11 points, 21 rebounds, and two blocks for GlobalPort.

Roi Sumang, who struggled to get playing time because of the depth of the Batang Pier's guard rotation, had his best game in his rookie season by adding 11 points on 3-of-4 three-point shooting, one assist, and two steals.

Jayson Castro led Talk 'n Text, which dropped its second straight game, with 25 markers, five boards, two dimes, two swipes, and two swats.

Box Scores:

GlobalPort 108-Romeo 33, Pringle 14, Sumang 11, Warner 11, Washington 9, Semerad 8, Yeo 8, Mamaril 6, Jensen 4, Kramer 2, Maierhofer 2, Uyloan 0

Talk 'n Text 101-Castro 25, Tautuaa 21, Seigle 16, De Ocampo 10, Fonacier 8, J. Reyes 8, Rosser 6, Carey 3, Ababou 2, R. Reyes 2, Aban 0, Rosario 0

Quarterscores: 19-18, 55-43, 90-71, 108-101

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