#PBA2015 GOVS CUP PLAYOFFS PREVIEW: GLOBALPORT BATANG PIER vs PUREFOODS STAR HOTSHOTS – BUMALIKTAD MULI ANG MUNDO
The GlobalPort Batang Pier totally bombed in Game 1, losing to the lower-seeded Star Hotshots by 53 points, which is the third-largest margin in PBA history and most lopsided in PBA PLAYOFFS history. It’s crazy to think how a team that had a wonderful run in the elims could play so terribly in the quarterfinals despite having the 2x to beat edge. Without a doubt, the pressure is on GLO’s collective shoulders as they are in danger of squandering all their achievements if they lose again in Game 2.
PUR played a brilliant first game, getting the jump on GLO in the early goings and never looking back. That was PUR basketball at its finest, with almost everyone fielded in scoring and contributing significantly. If the Hotshots can continue to flaunt their depth in this game, GLO may be in for another nightmarish outing.
This series started with the world seemingly upside down as GLO had the advantage over PUR, but the Hotshots just turned the tables and now have all the momentum going into the pivotal Game 2.
Previous result:
Game 1:
PUR beat GLO, 126-73
*biggest margin in PBA playoffs history
*4th-biggest margin in PBA history
- HOTSHOTS’ BALANCE
One of the things PUR can lean on is balance. This roster is deep in every position, and that will come to fore once again in Game 2. If GLO cannot find a way to counter PUR’s depth and balance with their own innate skill and talent, then this will be over early.
Nine players scoring 6pts or more.
14 of 15 players fielded in scored at least 2pts.
PUR – 50/93 FGs – 53.8 FG%
- BLAKELY’S EFFICIENCY
Marqus Blakely’s moniker is Mr. Everything, but in Game 1 he was more like Mr. Efficient. He put up a great stat-line by playing barely half of the game. A near-double-double in only 24 minutes? Are you kidding me?
Game 1: 23pts, 9rebs, 5asts, 2stls, 2blks, 10/11 FGs, 24 minutes.
- BARROCA + MALLARI = SUPREME GUARD DUO
Heading into this game, much hype was given for GLO’s vaunted backcourt, but it was PUR’s own guard duo that dominated instead. Mark Barroca and Alex Mallari totally outclassed their counterparts from GLO. If they can be very productive again in Game 2, then PUR will have the upperhand.
Game 1:
Barroca – 16pts, 3rebs, 5asts, 1stl, 7/9 FGs
Mallari – 15pts, 6rebs, 3asts, 2stls, 7/11 FGs
- JAMES YAP CAN STILL DUNK
We all saw that turn-back-the-clock one-handed fastbreak dunk by James Yap in the second half, right? Apparently, the former MVP can still sky and, of course, pour on the points when they matter most.
Game 1: 15pts, 1ast, 2stls, 2 triples, 5/10 FGs
- QUICKMELTON OFF THE BENCH
Yet another guard who stepped up big time was reserve combo guard Justin Melton. The high-flying Fil-Am was a major spark in Game 1, dropping 14 markers and playing well on both ends as PUR just bamboozled GLO.
Game 1: 14pts, 3rbs, 3asts, 2stls, 6/9 FGs
- FAMOUS FLOP
GLO couldn’t get much from its roster, not even from daunting import Jarrid Famous, who was expected to dominate PUR’s smaller frontline. Famous went cold from the field and was stifled by PUR’s tight D. He will need to rediscover his great form lest GLO get ousted easily in the rubber match.
Game 1: 16pts, 15rebs, 1blk, 5/13 FGs
- TERRENCE TRIED HIS BEST
Romeo tried his darned best to help GLO make a run, but in the end the margin was just too big and, well, he just didn’t get much from his own teammates. Romeo is a fighter, though, so don’t expect him to just roll over in Game 2. Expect him to be his usual explosive self again.
Game 1: 18pts, 1reb, 3asts, 4 triples, 7/14 FGs, 5 turnovers
- KRAYEM & PRINGLE: DROPPING THE BALL
Maybe the biggest factor for the breakdown in GLO’s play was the underwhelming performances of both Omar Krayem and Stanley Pringle. They combined to shoot just 3/16 from the field and score 8 points total. That just won’t cut it against a team like PUR, so both guys will need to bounce back big time in Game 2.
Game 1:
Krayem – 4pts, 3rebs, 1/7 FGs
Pringle – 4pts, 2rebs, 1ast, 2stl, 2/9 FGs
- BATANG PIER: PLAYING IN SLOW MOTION
Players like Romeo and Pringle thrive in the open court, which is why it’s a little strange how GLO just didn’t seem to have the focus and energy to mount serious attacks in transition. They scored ZERO fastbreak points in Game 1, and that’s something they will really need to rectify in Game 2 if they are to stand a chance.
GLO average fastbreak pts in elims – 10.9ppg
GLO Fastbreak attempts – 0
GLO Fastbreak points – 0
10. BATANG PIER: TAKE CARE OF THE BALL!
Another thing GLO needs to check is its turnover rate. They were already 2nd-worst in the league with 17.3 turnovers per game in the elims, but they outdid even that, turning the ball over 26 times in Game 1. That’s terrible, of course, and, needless to say, the Batang Pier will have to dramatically cut down on those errors in Game 2.
GLO turnovers in the elims: 17.3 (2nd worst)
GLO turnovers in Game 1: 26
Romeo – 4 TOs
Miranda – 4 TOs
Mamaril – 3 TOs
Buenafe – 3 TOs
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