The GlobalPort Batang Pier pulled off a rousing victory in their first game under a new head coach, stunning the skidding Barangay Ginebra Kings, 98-77, yesterday in the 40th PBA Philippine Cup at the Araneta Coliseum.
After struggling in the past few games, Terrence Romeo rediscovered his shooting touch, firing a game-high 25 points on nine-for-13 shooting from the field as the Batang Pier gave interim head coach Eric Gonzales a winning debut after replacing Pido Jarencio.
GlobalPort put an end to two straight losses to even its record to 5-5 (win-loss), while Ginebra succumbed to its third straight defeat to drop to 5-4.
In the main game, the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters bucked a depleted lineup and came through with an 83-74 win over the defending champions Purefoods Star Hotshots.
Missing the services of Jervy Cruz, Chris Tiu, Jeric Teng and Jeff Chan, the Elasto Painters drew big games from Paul Lee, Gabe Norwood, TY Tang and Jonathan Uyloan, who combined for 49 points to help them stay in contention for one of the two outright semifinal seats.
It was Rain or Shine’s fifth straight win, hiking its record to 7-2 to stay close with co-leaders Alaska Aces and San Miguel Beermen, who both have 8-1 cards.
Purefoods saw its four-game win streak snapped, tasting its fourth loss in nine games.
The Elasto Painters erected double-digit leads in the fourth period but the Hotshots came roaring back behind an 18-6 run that pulled them to within 75-72.
Tang and Uyloan came up with big plays to save the Elasto Painters. Tang completed a tough putback and the Uyloan sank a booming three-pointer as Rain or Shine took a comfortable 80-72 with with 1:50 left.