GlobalPort seizes last playoff spot as Alaska crumbles

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle conspired for key baskets in the endgame as GlobalPort Batang Pier upended the reeling Alaska Aces, 107-106, to book the last playoffs seat in the 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

Romeo danced against Kevin Racal’s defense then sank the go-ahead 3-pointer for the 106-104 advantage with 8.1 seconds remaining on Sunday, June 4 at the Mall of Asia Arena.

“Well it’s an option between Terrence and Justin (Harper), whoever would be available,” coach Franz Pumaren explained.

“We have to give credit to the guy, he’s really willing to take the shot, that’s why he’s Terrence Romeo. In short, makapal talaga ang mukha niya (he is fearless). It’s a gutsy move. It takes one great player to be willing to take that shot.”

The shot drained whatever remaining hope Alaska had been holding on to as they finished the mid-season conference on a paiful 8-game tailspin after starting off at 4-0 and once leading the standings.

Romeo, who finished with 26 points on 6-of-15 shooting from deep to go with 5 rebounds and 3 assists, also hit an early trey while Pringle sank a pair of free throws for the one-point lead with 30 seconds to go.

Backcourt partner Pringle posted 21 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists as the Batang Pier will go on to face the top seeded and twice-to-beat Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the quarterfinals on Tuesday, June 6.

“I guess we surprised a lot of people. No one imagined us to be in this situation, to be in the quarterfinals,” Pumaren said.

“Just last month I think most of the basketball fans, they were thinking we were ready to fold up and go on a vacation. I guess today’s game is a testament that the boys, they don’t want to go on a break yet. It’s going to be a tough series for us, just a one-day rest and we’re playing the number one team, the team that’s on a streak. Hopefully we can sustain the run.”

Import Justin Harper hit a game-high 32 points that included 11-of-15 free throws and also grabbed 17 boards.

Calvin Abueva took over for the Aces from start to finish, shaking his head up until the last 3-second possession with his side down by 3 and refusing to cede the game.

But his 31 points, 13-rebounds, 3 assists, two blocks, one steal, and a plus-11 plus-minus were not strong enough to get Alaska over the hump.

Import Cory Jefferson put up 32 points and 16 rebounds while Chris Banchero contributed 16 markers as GlobalPort victory that put Alaska out of its misery.

Scores: 

GlobalPort (107): Harper 32, Romeo 26, Pringle 21, Guinto 8, Cortez 6, Pessumal 5, Anthony 5, Grey 3, Maierhofer 1, Mamaril 0, Forrester 0, Paredes 0, Pennisi 0. 

Alaska (106): Jefferson 32, Abueva 31, Banchero 16, Manuel 9, Exciminiano 8, Racal 3, Enciso 3, Galliguez 2, Cruz 2, Thoss 0, Pascual 0, Hontiveros 0, Dela Cruz 0.

Quarter scores: 20-26, 52-49, 74-78, 107-106.

– Rappler.com