Pringle, GlobalPort cruise past Mahindra as Romeo rests

MANILA, Philippines – The GlobalPort Batang Pier did not flinch in the absence of star gunner Terrence Romeo as they handed the skidding Mahindra Floodbuster a 105-86 beating in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Sunday, April 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

According to coach Franz Pumaren, Romeo had been feeling under the weather and battling loose bowel movement since yesterday so the team did not want to force him, taking into consideration that the guard is also practicing with national team Gilas Pilipinas.

Pumaren, who noted the illness may have a connection with the typhoid fever Romeo previously suffered, praised his young star for still suiting up on the bench and cheering on his teammates.

It was all the team needed from Romeo for this game, at least, as they controlled the pace from tip-off and never let Mahindra come close.

Stanley Pringle paced the Batang Pier with 24 points on 10-of-13 shooting on top of 4 rebounds and 5 assists, while import Malcolm White supplied a double-double of 16 markers and 17 boards.

Von Pessumal, also on the Gilas pool, sizzled with 4-of-9 shots from downtown for 14 points off the bench, as Mike Cortez and JR Quiñahan added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

Aaron Aban chipped in 10 as the Batang Pier, who led by as many as 31 points, improved to a 2-5 record heading into the All-Star Week break, though still outside of the top 8.

Keith Wright led the Floodbuster with 23 points and 9 rebounds while Reden Celda and Philip Paniamogan helped out with 18 and 14 points, respectively.

Coach Chris Gavina continued to encourage proper execution for Mahindra, which now lost 7 of its 8 games.

Scores: 

GlobalPort (105): Pringle 24, White 16, Pessumal 14, Cortez 12, Quinahan 11, Aban 10, Forrester 7, Paredes 6, Ababou 5, Mamaril 0, Pennisi 0. 

Mahindra (86): Wright 23, Celda 18, Paniamogan 14, Corpuz 8, Deutchman 6, Elorde 4, Salva 4, Caperal 2, Mallari 2, Yee 2, Ballesteros 1, David 1, Galanza 1, Revilla 0, Teng 0, Guevarra 0.

Quarter scores: 22-17, 49-36, 78-53, 105-86.

– Rappler.com