Globalport claims twice-to-beat behind Romeo heroics in OT
Jun 23, 2015 6:40 PM PHT
Jane Bracher
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Terrence Romeo caught fire just in time for the Globalport Batang Pier to edge the top-seeded Alaska Aces in overtime, 117-104, and clinch the last twice-to-beat advantage for the playoffs in the 2015 PBA Governors' Cup on Tuesday, June 23 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Romeo, who had just two points in the first half and was substituted out at the 7:49 mark of the third and did not return until overtime, came through when it mattered most with 10 points in the extra period for his total of 14 points.
Import Jarrid Famous hit a game-high 34 points, 26 rebounds and 3 assists while rookie Stanley Pringle scattered 24 points, including 10 in the fourth to keep Globalport within striking distance, on top of 7 rebounds, 8 assists and two steals.
Asian import Omar Krayem added 20 points on 4-of-7 three-pointers and Keith Jensen had 11 as Globalport made history with a franchise-first twice-to-beat playoff advantage.
"Alaska went all-Filipino so we took that advantage," said head coach Pido Jarencio.
"They didn't let (Romeo) Travis play in the second half. At least we got the twice-to-beat in the fourth spot."
In a non-bearing game for top-seeded Alaska, coach Alex Compton limited the minutes of his key players such as import Travis, big man Sonny Thoss, and guards JVee Casio and Dondon Hontiveros.
Cyrus Baguio led the Aces with 20 markers while Travis chipped in 13 points and 10 rebounds in the first half.
Chris Banchero and Eric Menk contributed 10 points apiece.
The Aces led by double digits in the first half before they blew the lead on 5 straight points by Krayem in the third that put the Batang Pier up, 59-58.
Globalport built a 10-point lead, 77-67, early in the payoff period after a triple from Jensen but Alaska rallied back and took back the lead with under 4 minutes remaining.
Alaska led by as much as 5 points late in the fourth but two free throws from Pringle knotted the count at 98-all.
Globalport had the last shot in regulation as Pringle used up the clock on an insolation play where he dribbled into position inside the arc and pulled up for the potential game-winning jumper that rimmed out.
The Batang Pier, which finished the eliminations at 7-4, wrested control in overtime against the Aces' second unit and ended the game on a 17-4 run, highlighted by two triples from Romeo.
Alaska remains at first place despite the loss with an 8-3 record.
– Rappler.com
Globalport 117 - Famous 34, Pringle 24, Krayem 20, Romeo 14, Jensen 11, Kramer 8, Mamaril 2, Isip 2, Miranda 2, Hayes 0, Semerad 0, Buenafe 0, Ponferada 0.
Alaska 104 - Baguio 20, TRavis 13, Banchero 10, Menk 10, Abueva 8, Jazul 8, Manuel 6, Casio 5, Dela Cruz 5, Thoss 4, Baclao 4, Dela Rosa 4, Exciminiano 4, Hontiveros 2, Eman 1.
Quarter scores: 16-26; 40-49; 74-67; 98-98; 117-104.