Romeo, GlobalPort survive Phoenix’s huge late run for the win

MANILA, Philippines – The onslaught of points and watching a once comfortable 30-point lead dangerously dwindle to just 5 did not faze the GlobalPort Batang Pier, even in the midst of pressure to survive down the stretch.

Instead, they banked on calm execution to come away with a 100-91 victory over the relentless Phoenix Fuel Masters for their first win of the 2017 PBA Governors’ Cup on Wednesday, July 26, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

“Good win for us. It’s a good thing that we were up by more than 20 points,” admitted coach Franz Pumaren. “I think we started to relax. We enjoyed the game too much and everybody was doing their own thing. They thought that Phoenix would not give a fight. That’s what happens when we [move] away with our game plan.“

Import Murphey Holloway had a huge 20-20 debut game of 29 points and 26 rebounds, on top of 3 assists, two steals, 3 blocks, and a plus-11 advantage in his over 41 minutes on the floor.

Terrence Romeo was the highest scoring local with 21 points on 8-of-23 shooting. He also had 5 dimes and 4 turnovers. Ryan Araña finished with 13 markers, including the crucial two-pointer following a couple of botched Phoenix possessions that re-established a semblance of order for GlobalPort.

Stanley Pringle had 11 points and 6 rebounds in the victory, which nearly became a massive meltdown after they were outscored by 26-8 at one point in the final frame.

Lethal guard RJ Jazul, who had 10 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, came through once more with a clutch 3-pointer that pulled the Fuel Masters to within 88-83 with still 2:51 remaining. But Phoenix missed a couple more 3s and a floater in the ensuing possessions, leading to Araña’s momentum-killing two-pointer.

Eugene Phelps hit a game-high 32 markers with 17 rebounds and 5 assists, as JC Intal and Joseph Eriobu combined for 22 points.

GlobalPort improved to a 1-1 record while Phoenix lost its first game this conference for a 2-1 slate.

Scores:

GlobalPort (100): Holloway 29, Romeo 21, Arana 13, Pringle 11, Anthony 9, Grey 5, Van Opstal 4, Guinto 3, Pennisi 3, Ababou 0, Cortez 0, Mamaril 0.

Phoenix (91): Phelps 32, Eriobu 11, Intal 11, Jazul 10, Baguio 5, Alolino 5, Dehesa 5, W. Wilson 4, Wright 4, J. Wilson 2, Kramer 2, Hayes 0, Borboran 0. 

Quarter scores: 26-15, 54-36, 82-59, 100-91.

– Rappler.com