Batang Pier, Hotshots face off
Adjustments continue for Star Hotshots as they go up against GlobalPort Batang Pier in Friday’s main game at 7pm.
The Batang Pier, with their souped-up roster, had a smashing 97-75 debut over the Floodbuster.
“We had a good schedule as we played Mahindra in our first game of the season. Both teams undertook a major revamp,” said GlobalPort coach Franz Pumaren.
Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle came out with solid numbers, while off-season acquisitions JR Quinahan, KG Canaleta, Aaron Aban, Mick Pennisi and rookie Von Pessumal contributed right away.
“The players that we have right now are the players in my wish list to improve GlobalPort. But I didn’t have that much practice with the team because of the UAAP. We have new seven players so we’re a new team. We still have a long way to go,” added Pumaren, who has actually been with Globalport since last year as consultant.
The Hotshots meanwhile, competed well with the Beermen in their own season opener but floundered in the end resulting to an 88-96 loss.
“Konting gamay lang sa sistema. Marami kaming mabilis, maraming shooters.” said team manager Alvin Patrimonio.
“Looks very promising, kaya lang ang daming turnovers,” added team governor Rene Pardo.
The Beermen pounced on the Hotshots’ shaky start, striking hard on Star’s numerous turnovers.
Paul Lee struggled in his initial game as a Hotshot, going 1-5 from the field and committing five turnovers in the 1st half.
“Parang rookie uli eh. Yun ang feeling ko,” said Lee in a post-game interview.
“Bawi na lang tayo.”
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