GLOBALPORT WHIPS INJURY-STRICKEN ALASKA CREW
Even with his impending exit, CJ Leslie put up a splendid job, leading GlobalPort to a 95-73 rout of a badly crippled Alaska side in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Tuesday night.
Leslie thoroughly outplayed DJ Covington, coming through with game highs of 30 points, 18 rebounds and four assists against the Aces playing minus the injury-stricken Sonny Thoss, Jvee Casio, Vic Manuel and Calvin Abueva.
The Batang Pier caught up with the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters at fifth place at 2-2 while relegating the Aces down to joint seventh with the Barangay Ginebra Kings at 1-2.
Actually, Calvin Warner was already supposed to take over from Leslie but the GlobalPort management opted not to take the risk of facing possible problems with Warner’s release from the Jordan league not yet available.
“Nakakatuwa si CJ kasi kahit alam nya ang kanyang sitwasyon, nag-respond pa rin sya at lumaro sa game na ito,” said GlobalPort coach Eric Gonzales.
“At first down siya. Pero nung kinausap namin, sumama sa viewing, sumama sa ensayo at talagang tinulungan kami sa panalong ito,” Gonzales added.
It’s still uncertain whether Leslie would get a second chance with the kind of game he delivered against the Aces.
“Depende yan sa evaluation ng management,” said Gonzales.
“Kailangan kasi namin ng post threat. Depleted talaga ang frontline namin. Mahirap kung kailangan namin laging mag-double on defense. Wala kaming pag-asa against bigger teams pag ganon,” Gonzales also said.
Against the Aces, the Batang Pier didn’t face much problem with Alaska’s badly decimated lineup.
Terrence Romeo also had an explosive game, firing away 25 points while Stanley Pringle helped with 12 markers and seven assists as the Batang Pier checked a two-game skid.
The Aces went down to 1-2 with their injured players still doubtful in their next game.
“Sonny Thoss may still be out for two and a half weeks. Jvee, Vic and Calvin are day-to-day,” said Alaska team manager Dickie Bachmann.
Though shorthanded, the Aces came out strong, taking the first quarter at 27-18.
But Leslie and the Batang Pier turned the game around in the second quarter and not let up on the gas pedal in the final half.
The Batang Pier led by as many as 27 at 95-68. (SB)
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