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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
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04
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25
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2024
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SERVICES
THE INQUIRER COMPANY
04
25
2024
DUE to its yeoman-like efforts at the start of the conference and its last couple of games, GlobalPort has given itself a wide open path to an uncharted territory for the franchise.
It’s now a matter of the Batang Pier taking that one final step to go through and explore a wealth of possibilities.
GlobalPort takes on Alaska 4:15 p.m. Tuesday, hoping for a win that would give the Mikee Romero-owned franchise the lone remaining twice-to-beat advantage in the PBA Governors’ Cup quarterfinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Win or lose the Aces have long been assured of the top slot at the end of the 11-game eliminations, towing with them second-placer San Miguel Beer and Rain or Shine as the teams which will enjoy a twice-to-beat advantage in the next round.
Knowing coach Alex Compton, however, there will be no slacking in Alaska as it aims to sustain its momentum going into the playoffs.
The Batang Pier are gunning for that fourth and last spot, which could only be realized with a third straight win to end the elims. A loss, however, would relegate them into prospective ties and accompanying complications.
“We’re going all out,” stated GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio, whose return to the head of the bench just before the season-ending conference netted the team a best-ever 3-0 start.
Should they prevail it would mark the highest-ever finish in the eliminations for the Batang Pier, who have made it past the elims three times before but wound up no higher than fifth.
Now there’s this tantalizing possibility for GlobalPort of making it among the top four and needing just one win to advance to its first-ever semifinals.
“It’s about us bringing our A-game and being fluid in both offense and defense for us to make it to the top four,” said Jarencio.
“Mahirap, kasi Alaska is playing very well, but we will give it our best shot,” added Jarencio.
Indeed, Alaska is among the hottest in the league with a four-game roll it capped with an 82-77 win over Philippine Cup Finals tormentor SMB last Saturday in Panabo City.
Taking turns stoking the Aces’ recent drive are ever-reliable Romeo Travis, Chris Banchero, Jayvee Casio and Calvin Abueva with able support from Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss, RJ Jazul and Vic Manuel.
GlobalPort has its own well-stocked arsenal headlined by Jarrid Famous, Terrence Romeo, Omar Krayem, Ronjay Buenafe and Doug Kramer. (NC)
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