Romeo, GlobalPort hold off import-less Tropang TNT

MANILA, Philippines – A big 3-pointer late in the fourth quarter by ace scorer Terrence Romeo proved vital as the GlobalPort Batang Pier held off the import-less Tropang TNT, 108-101, on Friday, February 19, at the Mall of Asia Arena.

After seeing its 19-point lead entering the fourth quarter trimmed to 5 with a few minutes left, GlobalPort was able to eke some breathing room thanks Romeo’s 3-ball and held on the rest of the way to beat TNT.

The Batang Pier, who played with a new import in the returning Calvin Warner, improved to 2-1 with the win while Tropang TNT dropped to 1-2.

Romeo led all scorers with 33 points plus 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Warner posted 11 points and 21 rebounds in his debut, while Stanley Pringle had 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists.

On the other side, a 25-point, 5-rebound game by Jayson Castro spearheaded Tropang TNT. Top overall pick Moala Tautuaa also had a good game with 21 points and 7 boards.

After GlobalPort went up 92-72 with 10:39 left in the game, the outcome didn’t seem like it was going to hang in the balance anymore.

But TNT rallied with a 21-6 run, cutting the edge to 98-93 with 3:48 left.

Romeo was then fouled and made two free throws, extending his squad’s lead to 7. After TNT big Danny Seigle made a basket on the next play, Romeo hit the big triple on the following possession, 103-95.

A 3-ball by Jai Reyes cut GlobalPort’s lead to 104-98 with 1:52 to go, and it looked like his team would have another chance at completing the comeback after Romeo missed his next 3-ball.

But Castro then missed a 3-pointer of his own, and not long after, Warner made two free throws with 1:11 left to ice the game at 106-98.

Tropang TNT will have its next game on Wednesday, February 24, against the Alaska Aces. By then, the team could already have its replacement for Ivan Johnson.

GlobalPort will look for its third straight win against the San Miguel Beermen next Friday, February 26.

Scores:

GlobalPort (108): Romeo 33, Pringle 14, Sumang 11, Warner 11, Washington 9, Semerad 8, Yeo 8, Mamaril 6, Jensen 4, Kramer 2, Maierhofer 2, Uyloan 0.

Tropang TNT (101): Castro 25, Tautuaa 21, Seigle 16, De Ocampo 10, Fonacier 8, Reyes J. 8, Rosser 6, Carey 3, Ababou 2, Reyes R. 2, Aban 0, Rosario 0.

Quarter scores: 19-18, 55-43, 90-71, 108-101 – Rappler.com