GLOBALPORT started the New Year with a bang, dominating favorite Alaska, 107-93, to take Game One of their Smart Bro-PBA Philippine Cup semifinal series on Monday night at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Terrence Romeo provided the loudest fireworks for the Batang Pier, who built an early double-digit cushion and never let the fancied Aces come closer than six points the rest of the way to cruise to the victory.
Game Two is on Wednesday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum. Romeo showed all the weapons in his arsenal on the way to resetting his career-high to 41 points built around six triples for the Batang Pier, whose high-octane offense prevailed over the Aces’ suffocating defense.
“We just played our usual game,” Batang Pier coach Pido Jarencio said. “And full of confidence ako kay Terrence.”
The scores:
GlobalPort 107 - Romeo 41, Pringle 14, Jensen 12, Mamaril 12, Kramer 6, Semerad 6, Washington 6, Yeo 5, Maierhofer 4, Sumang 1, Pena 0.
Alaska 93 - Baguio 15, Jazul 14, Manuel 14, Abueva 12, Thoss 12, Banchero 8, Menk 8, Casio 5, Hontiveros 3, Baclao 2, Dela Cruz 0, Dela Rosa 0, Exciminiano 0.
Quarterscores: 29-18, 52-42, 82-74, 107-93