Romeo scores 27 as GlobalPort deals Meralco another loss

MANILA, Philippines – Terrence Romeo finished with 27 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists to lead his GlobalPort Batang Pier past the Meralco Bolts, 97-89, in the first game back of the PBA Philippine Cup since the year change on Friday, January 6, at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.

Romeo, who entered the game also averaging 27 points per outing in the conference, hit what was essentially the game-sealing basket when he put his team ahead by 6, 93-87, with 58 seconds left in the contest.

The victory improved the record of the Batang Pier to 4-3 as they snapped a two-game losing skid. Meralco, on the other hand, dropped its fourth straight game and fell to 2-5 in the standings.

Mike Cortez and JR Quinahan played well off the bench with 12 and 11 points, respectively, while KG Canaleta had 13 points in a starting role.

Meralco was led by the 23 points and 5 boards of Reynel Hugnatan, while rookie Jonathan Grey continued to play well with 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting.

GlobalPort shot 46% from the field, including 11-of-29 from deep. The Bolts, in comparison, shot only 38% from the field and went 4-of-18 from downtown. 

Scores:

GlobalPort (97): Romeo 27, Canaleta 13, Mamaril 12, Cortez 12, Quinahan 11, Pringle 9, Aban 9, Mierhofer 2, Paredes 2, Banal 0, Urbiztondo 0, Pessumal 0

Meralco (89): Hugnatan 23, Grey 18, Newsome 16, Hodge 12, Daquioag 12, Buenafe 3, Faundo 2, Caram 2, Amer 1, Uyloan 0, Nabong 0, Ferriols 0

Quarter scores: 26-19, 51-41, 72-71, 97-89 – Rappler.com