GLOBALPORT CLOSES IN ON LEADERS
The souped-up Globalport squad is drawing attention for a good reason.
Three games into the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, and the Batang Pier have improved on their showing in the all-
Filipino tourney with a second win coming at the expense of the Barangay Ginebra Kings.
Justin Williams churned out a near triple-double performance with 23 points, 23 rebounds and eight blocks as Globalport came back from a bitter loss the last time, pulling off a wire-to-wire 89-80 win over Ginebra at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday night.
“Unlike the last time when we played only 47 minutes and 30 seconds, we were there playing smart the whole game this time,” said Globalport coach Junel Baculi.
“Ginebra is always tough to beat with their never-say-die spirit, but we have our own never-say-quit motto. But it’s just the start of the tourney. We have long ways to go,” Baculi added.
But with their win over Ginebra, the Batang Pier have set new mark after a woeful 1-13 showing in the Philippine Conference.
“It should’ve three in a row,” said Williams recalling their endgame meltdown versus the Barako Bull Energy Cola.
Gary David collected 22 points while Sol Mercado logged a third straight double-double game with 12 points and 13 assists as Globalport got back on track, dealing Ginebra a second loss in as many games.
The Kings continued to struggle with import Herbert Hill. Worse, they will be forced to play another game with Hill Sunday since his replacement Vernon Macklin is coming in only Monday.
“We’re just coming out and playing hard,” said Williams, trying to downplay their emphatic victory over the Kings.
Williams fueled a Globalport hot start and the Batang Pier kept on going, dominating the Kings from start to finish.
The Batang Pier took double-digit spreads right in the opening quarter and kept a safe distance to the end with a solid team effort.
“Our support guys were there. They were as important as our starters,” said Baculi.
They jumped the gun on the Kings, 29-15, and took the half at 46-38, ending on a buzzer-beating trey by Japeth Aguilar.
Williams and company were much steadier making 48.7 percent of their shots compared to the Kings’ 35.3-percent clip in the first two quarters. (SB)
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