INSPIRED BATANG PIER TAKE ON INJURY-RIDDLED HOTSHOTS
GlobalPort faces another tough test with its head coach still under thorough evaluation as the Batang Pier tangle with the Purefoods Star Hotshots in an exciting Halloween presentation of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Friday.
In normal circumstances, Purefoods should’ve been a heavy favorite being a reigning four-peat champ taking on a team still in the process of building chemistry.
But the Hotshots have lost a big edge on injuries to main man James Yap and backup center Ian Sangalang.
The Hotshots are out to snap a two-game losing skein while the Batang Pier look to get going following a 91-81 triumph over the Barako Bull Energy as they clash at 7 p.m.
With Yap a doubtful starter due to a hamstring injury, the Hotshots hope to draw needed boost from the returning Marc Pingris.
Purefoods is off to a losing start in PBA Season 40, blown off the court by Alaska, 73-93, and then bowing to San Miguel Beer, 80-87.
Meanwhile, GlobalPort gained some relief and gave coach Pido Jarencio some reprieve in a 91-81 win over Barako Bull.
Alex Cabagnot and top draft pick Stanley Pringle churned out splendid all-around games as the Batang Pier stopped a seven-game slump from last season and, thus, saved their coach from losing his job.
“He’s under assessment. Pero kung na-zero-two kami, magkakaalaman na agad,” said GlobalPort team owner Mikee Romero.
“I was terribly disappointed in our last game at sinabon ko lahat sila,” Romero also said, believing it’s the reason why word spread around that they’re ready to sack Jarencio.
Website reports said GlobalPort is to tap Franz Pumaren to take over from Jarencio.
“We’ve not decided on anything. Tinakot lang namin dahil talagang disappointed kami in our last game,” said Romero.
The Batang Pier blew double-digit spreads in a 96-101 loss to the Road Warriors.
“Our loss against NLEX is a lesson learned. We had mistakes, and, totally, it’s on me,” admitted Jarencio.
“At least, we’ve overcome the jinx. Yung monkey on our back eh nadulas na,” Jarencio also said after nailing only his third win in 20 games with the team.
Under Jarencio after replacing Ritchie Ticzon, the Batang Pier got identical 1-8 marks in the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors’ Cup last season. (SB)
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