Leaders step up anew as GlobalPort downs Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines – Globalport once again relied on their veterans to outduel Rain or Shine, 90-88 in the PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday, December 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Batang Pier erased an early deficit, fired 34 points in the third quarter but had to go fend off Rain or Shine in the end game to clinch their third win in six games.

With Globalport comfortably ahead at 83-70, the Elasto Painters Paul Lee rifled 8 points including two triples to knot the game at 87-all, 2:48 left.

A split by Sol Mercado and a mid-range jumper by Justin Chua made it a 80-87 game under the last two minutes. Both teams then exchanged misses. A free throw by Belga made it a 90-88 game.

Belga however, had a costly turnover which gave Globalport back the possession. But the Batang Pier failed to capitalize, as Belga redeemed himself with a huge block on Washington in the final 9.3 ticks of the match to give Rain or Shine one last crack at the basket.

But it was Mark Yee who came up with a huge defensive stop, denying Jeff Chan of the possession as Lee’s hurried triple at the buzzer backfired.

Jay Washington and Sol Mercado each had 20 points to lead the Batang Pier. Washington added 13 boards while Mercado dished out 7 assists.

The scores:

GlobalPort (90) – Washington 20, Mercado 20, Garcia 13, Chua 12, Nabong 8, Yee 5, Lingganay 5, Hayes 4, Salvador 2, Romeo 1, Menk 0, Belencion 0.

Rain or Shine (88) – Lee 20, Quinahan 14, Norwood 11, Belga 10, Cruz 9, Chan 8, Arana 7, Teng 4, Nuyles 3, Tiu 2, Almazan 0, Ibanes 0, Rodriguez 0.

Quarters: 18-22, 36-35, 70-60, 90-88

– with reports from Levi Verora/Rappler.com