GlobalPort escapes Talk ‘N Text late as Castro misses 3-pointers

MANILA, Philippines – On what was an emotional day for their head coach, the GlobalPort Batang Pier made sure not to leave without a victory.

Led by the strong play of import Jarrid Famous and top overall pick Stanley Pringle, GlobalPort outlasted the Talk ’N Text Tropang Texters in a high-scoring affair that went down the wire, 123-120, on Friday, May 29, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

It was the fourth win in six games in the Governors’ Cup for the boys of Head Coach Pido Jarencio, whose brother Giovanni passed away this past Monday due to a heart attack.

“Actually this game is for my eldest brother who passed away last Monday,” said Jarencio following the win. 

“This is for his family.”

Famous had 27 points and 18 rebounds while Pringle provided a spark off the bench with 23 points and 5 assists. Terrence Romeo was also superb with 20 points, while Asian import Omar Krayem put up 14 points and 4 rebounds. 

“We started strong when we started Omar as the point guard, and then Keith [Jensen] played the 4 spot. Medyo mas naging quicker kami (we got quicker),” said Jarencio. 

“Nag-deliver yung mga players naman, especially Jarrid Famous. Napakita niya yung strength niya, which is low-post.” 

(Our players delivered, especially Jarrid Famous. He showed his strength, which is his low-post game.) 

Talk ’N Text was led by import Steffphon Pettigrew, who put up 35 points and 14 rebounds. Jayson Castro also had a brilliant game, registering 34 points and 4 boards.

The Tropang Texters looked left for the wolves as they trailed 121-116 following Pringle’s basket with 2:44 to go.  

After over a minute of both teams going scoreless, Ranidel de Ocampo – who finished with 10 points – used a couple of spin moves to elude two defenders and an up-and-under to score over Famous, breathing life to a Talk ‘N Text comeback. 

Following a Krayem turnover, Castro attacked the rim and scored to inch his team to one with 46 seconds remaining. After Pringle missed a shot, Talk ’N Text Asian import Sam Daghles was unable to convert a tough circus shot, leading to Batang Pier free throws with 11 seconds remaining. 

After Pringle made both charities to make it a 123-120 game, Castro missed two cracks at a game-tying 3-pointer, sealing his team’s second loss in 5 games.

“Total team effort. Yun lang naman yun,” said Jarencio, who shared that his eldest brother was his “number one fan.” 

The Tropang Texters threw away 18 turnovers that led to 28 GlobalPort points. Both teams shot an average 52% from the field and made a combined 24 triples. 

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. 

Quarter Scores: 27-24, 58-54, 99-91, 123-120

 – Rappler.com