PBA Fastbreak: Globalport milks Alaska, Ginebra tames Barako Bull

GlobalPort over Alaska, 91-88 (OT)

The Best: The last time Terrence Romeo shot relatively well in a game was waaay back on December 13. In that game, Romeo shot 8/15 from the field (53%) and ended up with 21 points. Incidentally, GlobalPort won that game against Alaska, too! In this one, Romeo shot 7/15 from the floor, leading the Batang Pier with 18 points. One thing seems clear — if Romeo’a shot finds the bottom of the net, then GlobalPort has a great chance of winning.

The Worst: Alaska sure could have used the talents of Calvin Abueva. Too bad he sat this one out (due to injury or otherwise). Abueva has been under the spotlight lately, mainly because of how people perceive him as, well, a dirty player. In his eyes, he’s just doing what he needs to win, but, especially to his opponents, there are times Abueva’s antics can get a little too much. Is it too early to say he’s the PBA’s version of Metta World Peace?

Killer Kelly: Where did Kelly Nabong come from? In the absence of Jay Washington, the native of California has really stepped up. In this game, the Sta. Rosa Junior College alum reeled in 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists in a great starting effort. This comes on the heels of his 15-point, 11-rebound effort against Petron a couple of days prior. Looks like we have a new big man to watch out for in the PBA!

Ginebra over Barako Bull, 90-83

The Best: Where would Ginebra be without the grit of one Emman Monfort? With his team down 10 in the fourth period, Monfort put the Kings on his shoulders and sparked a huge late-game rally that delivered Ginebra’s tenth win in twelve games. Monfort drained two triples and was instrumental in several other plays as the Kings battled back from what could’ve been a dangerous tie for first with Rain or Shine and Petron Blaze. Now, thanks to the pint-sized former Ateneo Blue Eagle, the Kings have the inside track to a twice-to-beat edge.

The Worst: The Energy Cola played really good game here, but they could close it out. Barako Bull left the Kings open a little too many times, and the Energy Cola paid for it, falling for the eighth time in the conference. They’re tied for seventh place with GlobalPort and are still in the thick of the fight for a playoff spot. They wasted the fact that they outrebounded the taller Ginebra frontline.

Mark’s Spark is Back: After two lackluster outings where he averaged just 3 points, 1.5 assists, and shot 2/17 overall, Mark Caguioa did well here. The Spark shot 5/9 from the field, totaling 14 points in 23 minutes. If Ginebra can have the real Caguioa in time for the Playoffs, then, man, these Kings might just run away with their first Philippine Cup since 2007. – Rappler.com