Games today
Cuneta Astrodome
4:15 p.m.- Meralco vs. NLEX
7:00 p.m.- Kia vs. Barangay Ginebra
The GlobalPort Batang Pier sustained their fiery run in the 40th PBA Governors’ Cup, seizing the solo top spot with a thrilling 91-89 win over Star Hotshots yesterday at the Araneta Coliseum.
In the second game, the San Miguel Beermen barged into the win column, defeating the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 104-91.
Import Arizona Reid, once a reinforcement for the E-Painters, had 36 points for the Beermen, who snapped a two-game slide and improved to 1-2 (win-loss).
The Batang Pier, meanwhile, padded their best start in franchise history by tallying their third win in as many games and likewise registered their first-ever win over the Purefoods-Star franchise.
“I give credit to my players,” said GlobarlPort head coach Pido Jarencio.”First time namin nanalo against Purefoods. Para sa mga fans ng GlobalPort ‘to.”
Prior to the game, GlobalPort had never won against Star in nine encounters since joining the league in 2012.
The speedy duo of Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo delivered the crucials baskets for GlobalPort, which broke a three-way at the number one spot with the Alaska Aces and the Barako Bull Energy Colas, who both sport 2-0 records.
Romeo converted a layup that gave GlobalPort an 89-87 lead. Pringle then gave the Batang Pier a crucial four-point cushion, 91-87, on a crucial jumper with 12 seconds left.
GlobalPort’s Asian import Omar Krayem also played big, winning the Best Player of the Game honors by scoring 20 points anchored on 4-for-7 shooting from the three-point land.
Romeo tallied 17 points, while Pringle chipped in 15.
Steven Thomas debuted for GlobalPort with 12 points and 16 rebounds. Thomas, who replaced Patrick O’Bryant, was brought in a stand-in import while GlobalPort is still awaiting for the availability of Jarrid Famous, who once suited up for the Meralco Bolts.
Marcus Blakely collected 19 points and 17 rebounds for Star, which dropped to 1-1.
James Yap had 12 points but shot just 5-for-14 field from the field. Alex Mallari added 11 points, while PJ Simon had 10.
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