Romeo lifts Globalport past Ginebra under new coach

Games Tuesday (MOA Arena)

4:15 p.m. – Barako Bull vs NLEX

7 p.m. – Alaska vs Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – Globalport started life under interim coach Eric Gonzales by shocking Barangay Ginebra, 98-77, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Terrence Romeo came through with 25 points and five rebounds in a solid relief job while rookie Anthony Semerad produced 17 markers as the Batang Pier pounced on the Kings’ continued slump to gain the crucial win that sent them back into contention for a twice-to-beat incentive in the quarters.

“Coach Eric had a good game plan. We’re happy for him and we know he’s also happy with our game tonight,” said Romeo, who sparkled with 9-of-13 field shooting.

“I’m thankful to God and to coach Pido (Jarencio). As for the win, it’s a product of a good collective effort,” said Gonzales, tapped by the team management to take over from Jarencio after the Batang Pier lost three of their last four games.

Alex Cabagnot contributed well-rounded numbers of 15 points, six rebounds and five assists, helping Globalport check its skid and thus stay in the fight for the Top Six at 5-5.

The Kings are now barely ahead of the Batang Pier at 5-4 after dropping their last three games against San Miguel Beer, Meralco and Globalport.

And they have two tough games ahead versus Alaska Milk tomorrow at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay and against Rain or Shine on Dec. 7 at the Big Dome.

As the Kings struggled with their shots, the Batang Pier wasted no time in pounding the opening, taking the first quarter at 24-16 and the half at 52-31.

Globalport stretched its lead 24 early in the third and kept its domination to the finish as the Mikee Romero-owned ball club pulled off a vengeful win against the Ginebra team that swept them in four games last season.

The Batang Pier dealt the Kings their worst defeat in the season thus far.