Romeo’s 30 points powers Globalport over Talk ‘N Text

MANILA, Philippines — Terrence Romeo broke out of his shooting slump and dropped 30 points, including the dagger triple, to lead the Globalport Batang Pier in an upset of contenders Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters, 105-97, in the 2015 PBA Philippine Cup on Tuesday, November 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Shooting a combined 6-of-38 in his previous 4 games with Globalport and scoring just 3 points in his last outing against Rain or Shine, Romeo exploded for 30 points on 5-of-9 three-pointers and a near-perfect 9-of-10 from the stripe to torch the Texters.

The former UAAP MVP, who missed one game for Globalport due to a throat infection, sank the crucial trey with 1:30 remaining to put the Batang Pier on top by 104-94, capping off a huge offensive outburst in the endgame.

The sophomore guard conspired with fellow sweet-shooter Ronjay Buenafe for a 12-0 run from the 5:32 mark that gave Globalport a 101-91 advantage entering the final two minutes.

Ranidel de Ocampo drained his third triple of the game to breathe life into Talk ‘N Text and stop Globalport’s rally but Romeo was not to be held back as he converted his last field goal of the game.

“Terrence is back. Maganda laro ni Terrence,” said Globalport head coach Pido Jarencio of Romeo, whose last offensively productive game was the team’s first outing versus NLEX where he registered a season-high 33 points.

“And then Ronjay masama ang shooting sa first half pero nag-step up sa second half.” (Terrence had a good game. And then Ronjay shot poorly in the first half but he stepped up in the second half.)

Buenafe finished with 13 points on 3-of-7 triples as Globalport tallied a franchise-best 15 three-pointers, per PBA Head Statistician Fidel Mangonon III.

Team captain Alex Cabagnot had a near triple-double night with 10 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.

Rookie Stanley Pringle and veteran Mark Isip added 13 points apiece.

With the win, the Batang Pier moved up to 5th place at 4-3, tied with the Texters.

“It was a total team effort,” Jarencio said. “Sabi ko sa players maniwala lang (I told the players to have faith). Just believe and stay positive.”

Harvey Carey amassed 24 points – 13 of which he dropped in the third – to go with 10 rebounds. Ranidel de Ocampo finished with 23 markers on 4-of-11 triples on top of 9 boards and 5 dimes.

Jayson Castro chipped in 11 points, including a top of the key trey late in the third that gave Talk ‘N Text its biggest lead at 76-67. He also had 6 assists.

The Batang Pier’s next assignment is the undefeated Alaska on Saturday, November 22 in Cagayan de Oro City where they hope to stage another upset.

“Ready lang kami. Medyo malakas yung Alaska talaga eh,” Jarencio said. (We’re just ready. Alaska is a strong team.)

Scores:

GLOBALPORT (105): Romeo 30, Pringle 13, Buenafe 13, Isip 13, Cabagnot 10, Taha 9, Jensen 8, Ponferada 4, Cabrera 3, Baclao 2, Pinto 0, de Ocampo 0, Caperal 0, Semerad 0.

TALK N’ TEXT (97): Carey 24, De Ocampo 23, Castro 11, Reyes Ryan 9, Alapag 8, Washington 7, Rosser 6, Fonacier 5, Reyes Rob 4, Alas 0, Seigle 0, Aban 0, Espiritu 0, Aguilar 0.

Quarter scores: 24-16, 41-39, 70-76, 105-97.

Here are some photos of the game taken by Nuki Sabio/PBA Images

– Rappler.com