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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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05
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02
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
05
02
2024
When pressed to cite the secret to its 3-0 start in the PBA Governors’ Cup, GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio said, “Swerte lang kami na nalagpasan namin yun.”
Shocking Star on Tuesday via a 91-89 squeaker, the Batang Pier now share top spot in the 12-team field.
And on Sunday, GlobalPort seeks to continue its winning run as the Batang Pier brace for the shaky San Miguel Beer squad at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Tip-off is at 3 p.m.
Returning to the head coaching gig after an uneventful first stint as the lead tactician, Jarencio sure is showing that he has learned a lot. But the outspoken coach deflects the praise to his wards.
“I give credit to my players,” he said, especially giving a nod to stand-in import Steve Thomas.
“Nag-adjust sya. Ang laking tulong nya sa amin. Galing lang sya ng Thailand kaya di rin sya nanibago sa climate. Napaka-professional na tao kasi alam nya na one week lang sya dito pero ang ganda ng nilaro nya.”
The towering Thomas would be playing his final game for GlobalPort on Sunday, before the Batang Pier leave for Dubai and finally field in Jarrid Famous.
They will be up against a San Miguel Beer side which finally nabbed its first win in a 104-91 decision over Rain or Shine.
Beermen coach Leo Austria was ecstatic with the victory, as the team dedicated the game to the late Rep. Henry Cojuangco. But more than anything, Austria knows that one win doesn’t erase the sting of their midseason woes, and they have to pick up the slack to finally get to the level they were in during the first conference.
“A lot of people have been criticizing us. Pero kung ano yung nangyayari sa team, ako ang accountable dun,” Austria said.
And despite having a team ravaged by injuries and unfortunate instances, San Miguel knows it can bring no less than its A-game to compete against this streaking GlobalPort crew.
Austria said, “They’re a tough team to beat. They’re gaining a lot of confidence. Very smart ang mga players nila. They have smart guards na nagbibigay ng sigla sa team nila, and it’s really tough to beat them right now. Very inspired yung team na yun.” (RL)
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