#PBA2015 GOVS’ CUP PREVIEW: GLOBALPORT BATANG PIER vs BLACKWATER ELITE – CONTRASTING FATES
The GlobalPort Batang Pier and Blackwater Elite had contrasting fates in their respective first outings in the Govs’ Cup. GLO leaned on its great backcourt to numb the Meralco Bolts, while the Elite were unable to withstand the onslaught of the Alaska Aces.
Without a doubt, GLO wants to build on that triumph by beating BLA here. In doing so, GLO should gain more momentum heading into some tougher games ahead.
BLA, for its part, needs to recover, especially after losing to a relatively smaller ALA team. They need people who will help out Marcus Douthit. The naturalized Filipino just cannot carry this team on his own.
Here are some things to watch in this game:
- TERRIFIC TERRENCE
Terrence Romeo was simply terrific against Meralco. He was sinking shots from practically anywhere and was, as always, fearless no matter who was assigned to try and stop him. He sank 4 triples in this game but also did well in other departments, hauling down 6 rebounds and handing out 5 assists. If he can continue playing at such a high level, GLO may be the surprise of the conference.
vs MER: 27pts, 6rebs, 5asts, 4 triples, 1stl
- PALESTINIAN PUNCH
Another guy who made life extra tough for MER was Palestinian Omar Krayem. Krayem formed a lethal one-two punch with Romeo in the backcourt, a
Ond he just surprised everyone with his slick handles and steady shooting. If the Asian import can keep this up, he and Romeo will form one of the toughest backcourt duos to stop in this conference.
vs MER: 18pts, 8rebs, 4asts, 1stl, 3 triples.
- MAN IN THE MIDDLE
Of course, one of the most dominant forces in that game against MER was Patrick O’Bryant, who just made life in the paint hell for the much smaller Bolts. Lacking anyone who could match up with O’Bryant’s size, MER just folded around the basket, surrendering 66 rebounds and 28 inside pts. O’Bryant, of course, did much of the damage. It’ll be interesting to see how he matches up with DouthitFriday night.
vs MER: 15pts, 23rebs, 5asts, 1blk.
- TAKE CARE OF THE BALL!
One thing GLO needs to do better, however, is taking care of the basketball. They shot the ball okay against MER, but they would have had an easier time had they not turned the ball over 19 times. Romeo, O’Bryant, and Denok Miranda each coughed the ball up three times, so that’s one thing they need to control against Blackwater here.
Turnovers: GLO 19, MER 10
Romeo – 3 TOs
O’Bryant – 3 TOs
Miranda – 3 TOs
- ALL MARCUS
As expected, Marcus Douthit had big numbers for BLA, but he didn’t get enough support from the rest of the team as they got blown out by the Aces. Douthit recorded a nice double-double line, but even that kind of production won’t be able to carry a team to a win if the locals don’t contribute significantly. Against a motivated and deeper team like GLO, BLA needs its locals to step up.
vs ALA: 28pts, 16rebs, 3asts, 1blk
- SPUTTERING STARTERS
BLA’s starters, in particular, have to do much better. Against ALA, starting unit players JP Erram, Brian Heruela, Bam Gamalinda, and Val Acuña combined to score just 21 points in about 85 minutes of play. That just won’t cut it. They all need to find a way to contribute more, especially Heruela, who is this team’s best local player.
Starters’ stats vs ALA:
Erram – 4pts, 3rebs
Heruela – 4pts, 2rebs, 8asts, 2stls, 4 TOs, only 4 FGA
Gamalinda – 10pts, 3rebs, 2asts, 4/9 FGs
Acuña – 3pts, 1/5 FGs
- PAINFUL IN THE PAINT
Despite the size advantage, BLA got bullied in the paint by the smaller Aces. ALA outscored BLA in the shaded area, 56-30. This just cannot happen, especially in this game against a team that also has its own hulking import. If O’Bryant gets his way down low, BLA might as well throw in the towel.
Pts in the Paint: ALA 56, BLA 30
- MORE TIME FOR SUNDAY?
One guy who maybe can be given more time on the floor is sniper Sunday Salvacion. Against ALA, he played just 9 minutes, but he managed to hit three triples and score 9 points. If he can even just approximate that level of shooting and play longer minutes, it could open things up for Douthit and his other teammates and make GLO’s defense work harder.
vs ALA: 9pts, 3/5 triples, 9 minutes
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