GLOBALPORT NAILS FIRST-EVER BACK-TO-BACK
For the second straight game, it was the veteran duo of Jay Washington and Sol Mercado who took centerstage for the Batang Pier as Globalport edged the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 90-88, in the 2014 PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup Sunday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Washington had a double-double of 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Mercado dropped 20 markers and seven dimes to give the Batang Pier their first back-to-back victories in franchise history.
It was also Globalport’s first-ever win in five meetings against Rain or Shine since entering the league last season.
“Our team was resilient. We just kept on going until we got the win,” said Washington.
The Batang Pier kept a comfortable 10-point margin for the majority of the second half, but the Elasto Painters stormed back to the game courtesy of a 13-3 run anchored by Paul Lee to tie the game at 87 at the 2:53 mark of the fourth.
Sol Mercado had a split in the foul line and shortly, he dished a pass to Justin Chua in the next possession to give Globalport a three-point cushion in the last two minutes, 90-87. Beau Belga was fouled by Chua in the ensuing possession, but the burly center split his freebies, putting Rain or Shine closer, 90-88.
With a chance to take the lead in the final minute, Lee missed a three-pointer with 33 ticks left in the clock.
Belga however would give his team one last chance to steal the game as he blocked Washington with 9.3 seconds to play. But the Elasto Painters could not convert as Lee muffed his potential game-winning three-pointer as the shot clock expired.
“We knew that Paul Lee and Jeff Chan will take that three-point shot. All we wanted was to switch them and get somebody in front of them. We won’t let them get free in the last nine seconds,” said Globalport coach Ritchie Ticzon.
Rookies RR Garcia and Chua also came up big for Globalport, combining for 25 points.
Ticzon said that their schedule, playing three games in a span of six days, was a tough one but their big win over Meralco was a big confidence-booster for their game against Rain or Shine.
“It was really hard to keep the guys motivated, but coming into this game, the team was very positive,” he said. “They’re beginning to believe in the system and they’re understanding what our team wants to happen kaya sobrang ok namin ngayon.”
The win placed the Batang Pier at an even record of 3-3, while Rain or Shine tasted its second defeat in six outings.
“Our rookies are learning how to play in the PBA, and our veterans are stepping up and being the leaders of the team,” Ticzon said. “Being one as a team – its coming in to play already. I didn’t expect this to be this early, but wins makes it easier for us to jell together.”
Washington agreed with his coach, saying, “It feels good that the team is coming together. It took us a while, but we hope to keep this going.”
Lee top-scored for the Elasto Painters with 20 points off the bench, while JR Quinahan had 14 markers and eight boards, and Gabe Norwood chipped in 11 of his own. (RL)
The scores:
GLOBALPORT 90 – Washington 20, Mercado 20, Garcia 13, Chua 12, Nabing 8, Yee 5, Lingganay 5, Hayes 4, Salvador 2, Romeo 1, Menk 0, Belencion 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 88 – Lee 20, Quinahan 14, Norwood 11, Belga 10, Cruz 9, Chan 8, Arana 7, Teng 4, Nuyles 3, Tiu 2, Almazan 0, Ibanes 0, Rodriguez 0.
Quarterscores: 18-22, 36-35, 70-60, 90-88.
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