(CNN Philippines) — GlobalPort Batang Pier capped off their best start yet in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Governors’ Cup with a nail-biting 91-89 escape act against Purefoods Star Hotshots Tuesday (May 12) at the Mall of Asia Arena.
GlobalPort now holds a 3-0 win-loss record in the season-ending conference, thanks in large part to Asian import Omar Krayem.
Krayem topscored for the Batang Pier with 20 points, including back-to-back three-pointers in the final stretch that put GlobalPort on top for good, 86-82.
“Grabe contribution ni Omar,” GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio said of his reinforcement, who also dished out three assists.
Jarencio also spoke highly of stand-in import Steve Thomas, who replaced Patrick O’Bryant two games into the conference. Thomas, who just arrived yesterday from Thailand, had 12 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists.
“Professional yung tao (Thomas), bilib ako sa kanya,” Jarencio said. “Kadarating lang niya kahapon pero nakapag-adjust siya agad.”
Terrence Romeo and Stanley Pringle also did their part down the stretch.
Romeo shot a triple to help GlobalPort close in before Krayem hit two of his own. Pringle put the game away with a step-back jumper opposite Marc Pingris, 91-87.
“Credit sa lahat ng players. First time naming nanalo sa Purefoods. Positive ito for the team kasi defending champions tinalo namin,” Jarencio said.
Purefoods, meanwhile, was paced by Marqus Blakely’s 19 points.
The hardworking import also collared 17 rebounds to go with five assists, three steals, and four blocks.
