B Pier bounce back, repulse Barako Bull

MANILA, Philippines - Pido Jarencio gained some reprieve, staying on as Globalport head coach as the Batang Pier bounced back from their sorry loss to the NLEX Road Warriors Tuesday with a 91-81 victory over the Barako Bull Energy in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Alex Cabagnot and top draft pick Stanley Pringle churned out splendid all-around games as the Batang Pier stopped a seven-game slump from last season and, thus, saved their coach from losing his job.

“He’s under assessment. But had we gone 0-2, magkakaalaman agad (we would’ve known the result right away),” said Globalport team owner Mikee Romero.

“I was terribly disappointed in our last game that I scolded each one of them,” Romero also said, believing it’s the reason why words spread around that they’re about to sack Jarencio.

Website reports said Globalport would tap in Franz Pumaren to take over from Jarencio.

“We’ve not decided on anything. Tinakot lang namin dahil talagang disappointed kami in our last game,” said Romero.

The Batang Pier blew double-digit spreads in a 96-101 loss to the Road Warriors.

“Our loss against NLEX is a lesson learned. We had mistakes, and, totally, it’s on me,” admitted Jarencio.

“At least, we’ve overcome the jinx. Yung monkey on our back eh nadulas na,” Jarencio also said after nailing only his third win in 20 games with the team.

Under Jarencio after replacing Ritchie Ticzon, the Batang Pier got identical 1-8 marks in the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors Cup last season.

“This is for the team management. We owe it to them,” said Jarencio.

San Miguel Beer shrugged off the challenge of the crippled but gritty Purefoods Star side, making it two in a row with an 87-80 win in the nightcap.

Junmar Fajardo delivered 22 points and 15 rebounds while Ronald Tubid, Arwind Santos and Sol Mercado contributed a combined output of 42 points as the Beermen repulsed the reigning four-peat champs minus top gun James Yap and top energy source Marc Pingris.