IMPORT CJ Leslie gave a memorable farewell performance on Tuesday night, leading GlobalPort to a 95-73 hammering of undermanned Alaska, 95-73, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot-7 Leslie stood out in a game that he wasn't even supposed to be playing as he sparked an 18-2 run to open the second period that turned a nine-point deficit into a 36-29 lead for GlobalPort.
The Batang Pier's lead only ballooned from there as Stanley Pringle's playmaking and another display of impeccable three-point shooting from Terrence Romeo turned the game into a full-blown rout.
Leslie finished with 30 points, 18 rebounds and four assists as he led GlobalPort to a 2-2 (win-loss) card before giving way to Calvin Warner, who arrived last Sunday and was ready to play against the Aces.
However, GlobalPort coach Eric Gonzales said the team failed to secure Warner's clearance from Jordan’s national basketball federation in time, forcing the Batang Pier to suit up Leslie for one last time.
“Si CJ, ang nakakatuwa sa kanya, kahit alam niya may import ng papalit,yes, na-down siya, pero nagvi-viewing pa rin siya at nagpa-practice siya,” Gonzales said of the departing import.
Gonzales said it is now up to management to decide on whether to give the former North Carolina State another chance to play or not.
“Evaluation na ng management iyan. Paga-aralan ng management," he said.
Romeo added 25 points, six rebounds and two assists while Pringle added 12 against an Alaska side that played without Calvin Abueva, Vic Manuel, Sonny Thoss and JVee Casio.
[See Abueva misses game, Manuel out another week as Alaska crisis deepens]
DJ Covington led Alaska with 25 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks, while Dondon Hontiveros was the lone local to score in double figures with 11.
The scores:
GlobalPort 95 - Leslie 30, Romeo 25, Pringle 12, Isip 6, Buenafe 5, Jensen 5, Semerad 4, Ponferrada 4, Nabong 4, Miranda 0, Taha 0, Caperal 0, Pinto 0, Baclao 0.
Alaska 73 - Covington 25, Hontiveros 11, Dela Cruz 7, Baguio 6, Espinas 6, Jazul 5, Exciminiano 4, Menk 4, Dela Rosa 3, Eman 2, Banchero 0, Vanlandingham 0.
Quarterscores: 18-27, 44-35, 66-54, 95-73
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