Romeo keys GlobaPort squeaker over Ginebra

MANILA, Philippines – Terrence Romeo banged in two big treys down the stretch to cap a 19-point performance, and GlobalPort also bounced back from a first-game loss with an 89-85 decision over Barangay Ginebra in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Brian Williams piled up 19 points and 17 rebounds against Ginebra behemoth Greg Slaughter and Billy Mamaril contributed eight of his 12 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Batang Pier past the Gins Kings who on the other hand reeled with a second straight loss.

“I have to appreciate the effort of the guys on defense. In the first game, I saw on the giant screen being flashed ‘no defense.’ We played an excellent defense this time,” said GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio.

“It’s a total team effort but I also have to mention the performance of Brian Williams. He showed big improvement from his first game,” Jarencio added.

The Batang Pier squandered a 15-point first-half lead but salvaged the game on Romeo’s crucial triple off LA Tenorio with 55.5 ticks to go.