Globalport finishes strong, drubs Barako Bull

MANILA, Philippines — The Globalport Batang Pier used a a 54-point second half, including a 33-point finishing kick in the fourth, to outclass the Barako Bull Energy Cola, 99-81, in the 2015 PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Wednesday, February 18 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. 

Sophomore guard Terrence Romeo led 4 of Globalport’s double-figure scorers with 24 points on 8-of-14 field goals, including 15 in the second, as the Batang Pier hiked their record to 3-3 and sent the Energy to their second straight loss after starting the conference at 3-0. 

Import Calvin Warner went across the board with 23 points, 20 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals in just his second game for Globalport after replacing CJ Leslie. 

“His maturity, being a veteran import, helps us in our immaturity,” head coach Eric Gonzales shared what Warner brings to the table. 

“For now, we need an inside presence who is mature, who will help the team get better. We’re trying to balance the inside and outside game of Globalport.” 

Rookie Stanley Pringle and Mark Isip each tallied 14 points as Globalport left nothing to chance coming off a heartbreaking loss to Meralco where they lost via a Josh Davis game-winner in the final 3.2 seconds. 

“Thankful ako sa mga players kasi nag-respond sila. Malaking lesson yung Meralco game sa amin,” Gonzales said. “They have to finish well, not only to start strong.”

(I’m thankful to the players because they responded. The Meralco game was a big lesson for us.)

After a back and forth affair in the first half, Globalport built momentum in the third as Warner dumped 14 of his total points in the fourth to pull away for good.

Solomon Alabi’s 37 points, with 14 in the payoff period, and 28 boards was not enough for a Barako Bull comeback. 

Carlo Lastimosa and Chico Lanete were the only other players in double figures with 12 and 11 points, respectively, as Barako fell to 3-2.

Scores:

GLOBALPORT (99) – Romeo 24, Warner 23, Pringle 14, Isip 14, Buenafe 7, Jensen 7, Miranda 4, Semerad 4, Caperal 2, Taha 0, Ponferada 0, Pinto 0, Nbong 0, Baclao 0, De Ocampo 0.

BARAKO (81) – Alabi 37, Lastimosa 12, Lanete 11, Pascual 6, Garcia 5, Intal 4, Chua 2, Matias 2, Hubalde 2, Salvador 0, Mercado 0, Marcelo 0, Salva 0, Paredes 0, Sorongon 0.

Quarterscores: 17-27, 45-44, 66-62, 99-81

— Rappler.com