Portmasters thwart Comets

Harbour Centre’s second unit came up with stirring efforts in the second quarter, sparking a decisive run that carried the Unity Cup titlist to a 76-61 thrashing of newcomer Mail and More in the PBL Silver Cup at the UST gym yesterday.

Jerwin Gaco, Edwin Asoro and Richard Alonzo provided instant firepower coming off the bench, and the Portmasters overcame a sluggish start to rebound from a four-point defeat to the Hapee Teeth Masters on opening day Saturday.

Starters Chico Lanete and Al Vergara picked up from where their reserves left off in the second half, sustaining Harbour Centre’s drive as the Portmasters spoiled the Comets’ debut in the league.

"The boys are starting to pick up their game. They worked a lot more better today compared Saturday where each one wanted things done their own way," said Harbour Centre coach Jorge Gallent.

Lanete and Vergara scored 14 points apiece with Gaco adding 13 and Ron Capati chipping in 9. JR "Baby Shaq" Quinahan paced Mail and More with 14.

Quinahan, the promising Cebuano player who also logged eight rebounds, four blocks and one assist, came out smoking and the Comets took control early on, enjoying a six-point lead at 22-16 at the close of the opening quarter.

But the Portmasters swayed the tide on their favor in the second quarter with Gaco, Asoro and Alonzo leading their attack. Harbour Centre won by a big margin as it poured on the heat in the next two quarters.

Robert Sanz tossed in 17 points while Jason Castro dished out a double-double game with 15 points and 10 assists as Hapee Tooth Paste made it two in a row with a 93-66 rout of Kettle Korn in the second game.