GLOBALPORT played with a lot of composure in the face of a furious Rain or Shine rally down the stretch to pull off a gut-wrenching 90-88 victory in the PLDT myDSL-PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Paul Lee misfired what could have been a game-winning three-pointer in the waning seconds off the outstretched arms of Globalport rookie Justin Chua, allowing the Batang Pier to pull off one of the biggest wins in the franchise’s young history.
It marked the first time the Batang Pier won back-to-back games in the league as they evened their record at 3-3 and stay in the middle of the standings.
“It was very important for us to win against Meralco, and I think from there, they are beginning to believe in the system. Kasi sobrang okay ngayon,” said Globalport’s interim coach Ritchie Ticzon, whose team is fresh off a win over the Bolts, 93-89, prior to their game against the Elasto Painters.
“Everyone is trusting each other already.”
Lee, who poured a career-best 26 points in Rain or Shine’s win over San Mig Super Coffee over the weekend, was on fire again after scoring 13 of his team-high 20 points in the final period, including back-to-back triples late in the game to knot the count at 87-all.
Before Lee waxed hot, the Elasto Painters were down by as many as 14 points.
By then, everyone thought the Batang Pier was doomed, but veteran guard Solomon Mercado made sure the young franchise won’t crumble amidst the mounting pressure.
Mercado’s split free throws, along with a corner jump shot by Chua late in the game was all Globalport needed to preserve the win.
Rain or Shine fell to 4-2 as the Elasto Painters’ two-game winning run was snapped.
Jay Washington banged in 20 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, while Mercado also had 20 to go along with seven assists.
Globalport's defense also played a major factor in the win as it held a 17-6 advantage in turnover points.
The scores
Globalport (90) -- Washington 20, Mercado 20, Garcia 13, Chua 12, Nabong 8, Yee 5, Lingganay 5, Hayes 4, Salvador 2, Romeo 1, Menk 0, Belencion 0.
Rain or Shine (88) -- Lee 20, Quinahan 14, Norwood 11, Belga 10, Cruz 9, Chan 8, Arana 7, Teng 4, Nuyles 3, Tiu 2, Almazan 0, Ibanes 0, Rodriguez 0.
Quarterscores: 18-22; 36-35; 70-60; 90-88.
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