GLOBALPORT gets a shot in the arm as Terrence Romeo is set to make his debut in the team’s matchup against Star on Saturday when the PBA Commissioner’s Cup goes on the road in Tubod, Lanao del Norte.
After missing the team’s conference debut last Saturday due to an undisclosed illness that left him confined in a hospital, Romeo reunites with backcourt partner Stanley Pringle against the Hotshots in the Petron Saturday Special at 5 p.m. at the Mindanao Civic Center gym.
Batang Pier coach Franz Pumaren confirmed his prized ward is set to make his return.
“Yes, he’ll play tomorrow, but will try to manage his minutes,” Pumaren said in a text message on Friday night.
Without Romeo, Pringle was forced to shoulder most of the offensive load as he scattered 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting, seven boards, six assists, and five steals, against seven turnovers in almost 40 minutes of play.
Still, Pringle’s import-like play wasn’t enough as reinforcement Sean Williams was hobbled by fouls and finished with just 18 points on 7-of-15 shooting in the 107-79 loss to Alaska.
Williams tries to stay out of foul trouble this time as he matches up with Hotshots counterpart Tony Mitchell, who flashed his entire offensive package in the 101-82 blowout over Phoenix, tallying 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting, on top of 16 rebounds, three assists, and one steal, against six turnovers in 37 minutes.
Mark Barroca and Allein Maliksi, who shone brightest among the Star locals against the Fuel Masters, look to do the same for the Hotshots, who will continue to miss injured Marc Pingris.