GlobalPort hangs on to edge Rain or Shine, 107-101

Games Saturday (Ynares-Antipolo)

3 p.m. – NLEX vs Phoenix

5:15 p.m. – San Miguel vs Alaska

MANILA, Philippines – GlobalPort overcame a rollercoaster ride against Rain or Shine, pulling off a 107-101 win to catch up with Phoenix Petroleum at eighth place in the homestretch of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations at the Alonte Sports Arena in Binan, Laguna Friday night.

The Batang Pier blew away a 16-point spread in the second quarter but hung on in the fight before unleashing a decisive closing flurry to salvage a fourth win in 10 games.

Justin Harper and Terrence Romeo, returning to the floor fresh in the last five minutes, led the way in their vicious endgame attack that foiled the Elasto Painters’ attempt at an outright playoff entry.

The E-Painters were stalled at 5-5, with the Alaska Milk right behind them at 4-5 then the Fuel Masters and the Batang Pier at 4-6.

Upon re-entry, Harper and Romeo nailed back-to-back treys to spark their 19-6 closing romp, and the Batang Pier went on to notch a second straight win since bringing in Harper as their third import in the mid-season tourney.

Romeo came out of a personal slump, firing away four three-pointers and a total of 26 points while Harper collected 19 points including three treys plus 10 rebounds, two assists and one steal against five turnovers.

GlobalPort beat out Rain or Shine in a fierce shootout where Romeo and his teammates struck a total of 17 triples as against the 12 of James Yap (6-of-10) and his pals.

Yap drained two of his six treys in their onslaught midway through the fourth enabling the E-Painters to seize control at 94-86.

Sensing imminent danger, GlobalPort coach Franz Pumaren finally brought back in Harper, who sat out almost a quarter after incurring a fifth foul midway through the third.

And Harper made up for his lost minutes.

After scoring a triple, Harper canned in a pair of charities that shoved GlobalPort ahead to stay at 98-97 with 1:57 left to play.

Fresh trade recruits Sean Anthony and Bradwyn Guinto both lent a hand as the Batang Pier chalked up crucial back-to-back triumphs.

Anthony came up with sterling all-around numbers with 15 points, eight rebounds, five assists and one steal while Guinto chipped in seven boards, six markers and three dish-offs.

Meanwhile, San Miguel Beer pursues its bid for a Top Two finish while Alaska Milk hopes to finally comes out of the rut as they mix it up in a crucial Petron Blaze road matchup at the Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo Saturday night.

Reeling with five straight losses, the Aces face tremendous odds against the Beermen as they set out for the 5:15 p.m. game minus injury-hit core players Calvin Abueva and Jvee Casio.

Phoenix and NLEX slug it out in the 3 p.m. opener of a rare Saturday twinbill.