LOOKING TO BOUNCE BACK
HAVING tasted defeat right in their first game, the defending champion Alaska Aces and the GlobalPort Batang Pier are looking to jump back on track right away.
The inaugural day losers clash at 3:30 p.m. in the Petron Saturday Special at the Cuneta Astrodome, with both teams determined to avert falling into a 0-2 hole in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Alaska fell to Talk ‘N Text, 72-85, as Ranidel de Ocampo unloaded 21 points with 10 rebounds and import Richard Howell added 15 with an amazing 30 boards, 10 of them offensive.
GlobalPort, on the other hand, saw the debut of coach Pido Jarencio end on a sour note as Air21, parading a long-armed import that reminded PBA fans of the character in the Kevin Bacon basketball film “Air Up There,” won, 83-78.
Herve Lamizana, whose dismal first half made him a candidate for an early departure, had 22 points and 10 rebounds, doing just enough to entertain Express fans and team officials, including Board representative Lito Alvarez, whose arrival in the game coincided with the Ivory Coast native’s third quarter resurrection.
Jarencio, who coached University of Santo Tomas before getting tapped to take over from Ritchie Ticzon after the Philippine Cup, lamented their turnovers and unbalanced offense.
“Puro nangangapa pa kami,” said Jarencio. “Pero ilalaro lang namin yan and I’m sure eventually we’ll get into the flow.”
Playmaker Alex Cabagnot, who came over from Petron (San Miguel Beer) in the deal that sent Sol Mercado to the Beermen, was 2 of 9 from the floor, missing all 4 three-point attempts, while forward Jay Washington, back from a foot injury last conference, struggled all night long to find his mark in finishing with 9 points.
“Marami pang dapat ayusin,” said Jarencio. “Kahit sina Alex at Jay-Wash, hinahahap pa ang range nila.”
GlobalPort will also need more production from rookie RR Garcia, who shot 2 of 7, and Terrence Romeo, 1 of 8. (WJRHT)
Subscribe to INQUIRER PLUS to get access to The Philippine Daily Inquirer & other 70+ titles, share up to 5 gadgets, listen to the news, download as early as 4am & share articles on social media. Call 896 6000.
