GLOBALPORT aims for a rare feat as the eighth-seed Batang Pier look to knock down top-seed Rain or Shine in the final quarterfinal match in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
The match is set on Thursday at 7 p.m.
The Batang Pier lived to fight another day, stunning the Elastopainters, on Tuesday thanks to a three-pointer by Jonathan Grey.
Since the PBA shifted to an eight-team playoff format, only three eighth-seed teams have managed to beat a top-seed in the history of the PBA, and GlobalPort is looking to join that elite club with an upset win over Rain or Shine.
“On Thursday, lalaban tayo diyan. Do-or-die. Basta kami, we will do our job,” said GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio.
The winner of Thursday’s GlobalPort-Rain or Shine tiff will face Barangay Ginebra in the best-of-five semifinals.
Globalport is also hoping to get another big game from Malcolm White, who had 28 points, 16 rebounds and two blocks, one of which was a rejection on Rain or Shine import Reggie Johnson in the final seconds.
Rain or Shine lost the series-opener, failing to protect a 16-point lead.
Coach Caloy Garcia is still confident Rain or Shine it can get past GlobalPort to reach the semifinals.
“I feel that it’s gonna be a good game for both teams and we’re still confident that we can come out with a win,” said Garcia.
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