By; Patrick Sutare
PASAY- Globalport bolsters its bid of capturing one of two
twice-to-beat advantages in the quarterfinal phase of the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup with a convincing win over
NLEX, 110-96, on Friday at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Superstar guard Terrence Romeo set the toneearly for the Batang
Pier, firing 22 huge points in the first half alone as his squad led for the
rest of the way after trailing in the just the beginning of the game where the
Road Warriors started for five quick unanswered points.
The scoring monster finished with 32 points along with five
caroms and four dimes.
The lopsided win though was anything but Romeo’s own
efforts; his team mates had the share of the spotlight as well.
Stanley Pringle cashed in 20 markers while JR Quinahan
chipped in 18 points and seven boards.
The Road Warriors had their chances late. But
Globalport’s defense and fine ball movement kept them at bay, warding them off
to just within five as the closest early in the third, 54-59, after Kevin Alas
heated up for three triples.
Pringle and veteran guard Mike Cortez then played
stabilizers as they led Globalport close the third frame ahead, 82-65.
NLEX would mount a late push with 5:13 to go after Alas
capped an 8-0 blast to come to within eight, 86-94.
But Globalport stood the course. With the charge led by
Pringle and Quinahan, Globalport unleashed one last stand en route to the win
that positioned them at solo third with a 5-3 slate.
The scores:
Globalport 110 - Romeo 32, Pringle 20, Quinahan 18, Paredes 13, Pessumal 10, Canaleta 6, Cortez 4, Aban 4, Urbiztondo 3, Saitanan 0, Maierhofer 0, Mamaril 0
NLEX 96 - Lastimosa 19, Alas 16, Anthony 16, Guinto 13, Camson 9, Lanete 9, Soyud 5, E. Villanueva 4, Baracael 2, Monfort 2, Rios 0, J. Villanueva 0, Taulava 0 , Gotladera 0, Khobuntin 0
Quarterscores: 21-16, 50-38, 82-65, 110-96
Follow the writer on Twitter: @patricksutare
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