Leslie impresses as Globalport downs Kia in PBA opener

Games Thursday (Cuneta Astrodome)

4:15 p.m. – Barako Bull vs Blackwater

7 p.m. – Talk n Text vs Rain or Shine

MANILA, Philippines – CJ Leslie proved he’s more than just a third choice as import of the Globalport team, putting in his own impressive all-around numbers against the expected hulking stats of Kia 7-foot-3 import PJ Ramos as the Batang Pier smothered the Carnival, 100-89, in the opener of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the MOA Arena in Pasay City Tuesday night.

Leslie delivered highlight moves on both ends at the finish, capping a 31-point and 14-rebound performance that helped Globalport to a triumphant debut in the PBA second conference after an eight-place wind-up in the Philippine Cup.

The 23-year-old former North Carolina State player also came through with five blocks, four assists and two steals against four errors in 39 minutes of action, making good impression as did Ramos with his 41 points and 20 rebounds for Kia.

Before the game, not much had been written about Leslie as he arrived in the country a few days back as a replacement to Rob Benson who measured above the 6-foot-9 ceiling for the imports of the Top Eight in the last conference.

“We’re actually still in the honeymoon stage. But he showed he’s a smart, brilliant player,” said Globalport coach Eric Gonzales of Leslie, their third choice after Derrick Canada then Benson.

“He had had only two practice games with us. He’s a bit off then as he’s still adjusting to the weather and the food. Thankfully, he delivered,” Gonzales also said.

Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle provided the team much toughness in the backcourt, combining for 38 points, 13 rebounds and 10 assists as the Batang Pier handed the Carnival an 11 straight loss after a triumphant season debut against fellow PBA newcomer Blackwater.

With playing coach Manny Pacquiao on a US trip, assistant coach Chito Victolero called the shots for the Carnival. Also on the Kia bench was newly appointed team consultant Joe Lipa.

Leslie had made 17 points while Romeo and Pringle had had 11 and eight, respectively, as Globalport sat on a 56-42 cushion at the half.

The Batang Pier dominated throughout but had to fend off a Kia uprising that saw the Carnival charge to within seven at 83-90 from 19 points down at 69-88.

Former Globalport player Mark Yee had his key contribution in the Kia siege, firing away 15 points in his Kia debut.

At the height of the Kia rally, Leslie made key defensive stops that the team parlayed into crucial baskets, sparking an eight-to-nothing roll that eventually propelled Globalport to victory.   

Ramos, a former Puerto Rican national player and ex-Washington Wizard, asserted himself at the post as the Carnival got into the fight midway through the final period.

But an errant inbound and a post move lapse by Ramos didn’t help their cause as they went on a four-minute dry spell from the 85-92 count.

As Ramos paced himself early on, the Batang Pier outscored the Carnival, 28-14, on points inside the paint in the first half.

The Batang Pier, however, found Ramos tough to contain when the Kia behemoth started to attack.