Romeo boosts Globalport in Jarencio’s first game back as coach

TAGUM CITY, Philippines – Terrence Romeo took off for 27 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists as the Globalport Batang Pier gave a warm welcome back to coach Pido Jarencio with a convincing 92-73 victory over a listless Meralco Bolts to open their 2015 PBA Governors’ Cup campaign Tuesday, May 5 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Jarencio returned to his post as head coach after serving as consultant in the past two conferences. He was relieved of his head coaching duties in this season’s Philippine Cup as Eric Gonzales held the fort as interim coach. 

This is Jarencio’s first conference-debut win, per PBA Chief Statistician Fidel Mangonon III.

Romeo outplayed Globalport’s reinforcements with Asian import Omar Krayem and 7-footer Patrick O’Bryant settling for 18 and 15 points respectively.

Central African O’Bryant, a 28-year old NBA veteran, was effective on both ends of the floor and added 23 rebounds and 5 assists to his name. Krayem contributed 8 points and 4 assists for Globalport, which ran away with the game midway in the fourth thanks to crucial baskets from Romeo. 

Import Andre Emmett accounted for more than half of Meralco’s points with his 41 on top of 13 boards and 5 assists. He was the only player in double figures for the Bolts, who were out-rebounded by 46-66 and shot a dismal 28% from the field. Globalport shot 40%.

The Batang Pier won despite missing the services of key rookies Stanley Pringle and Anthony Semerad due to injuries.

Meralco was likewise undermanned without starter Jared Dillinger with a knee injury from last conference. Asian impot Banil Koochoie did not see action as well after reportedly failing to get clearance from the Iran Super League.

Scores:

GLOBALPORT (92) – Romeo 27, Krayem 18, O’Bryant 15, Buenafe 10, Jensen 10, Miranda 5, Isip 4, Taha 3, Mamaril 0, Ponferada 0, Kramer 0.

MERALCO (73) – Emmett 41, Hugnatan 7, Wilson 5, David 5, Hodge 4, Ferriols 4, Cortez 3, Anthony 2, Sena 2, Ildefonso 0, Caram 0, Guevarra 0, Macapagal 0.

Quarters: 21-19, 45-34, 69-57, 92-73

– Rappler.com