(CNN Philippines) — GlobalPort was on a two-game tailspin before clashing with the Talk ‘N Text Tropang Texters Friday (May 29).
But aside from arresting the skid, there’s another thing that inspired the Batang Pier to clip the Tropang Texters, 123-120, in their Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) encounter at the SMART-Araneta Coliseum.
“This game is for my eldest brother, who passed away last Monday,” a gloomy GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio said after the game, referring to his brother Giovanni who succumbed to heart attack. “This is also for his family.”
GlobalPort now holds a 4-2 win-loss card to tie the San Miguel Beermen at third spot. Barako Bull and Alaska remain atop the heap with an identical 4-1 haul.
Talk ‘N Text, despite its gallant efforts to erase a 13-point gap, reeled to a 3-2 record.
Import Jarrid Famous took charge, scoring 27 points on top of 18 rebounds, two assists, and three blocks for the Batang Pier.
“We started strong. Nag-deliver mga players especially Jarrid Famous. Nagpakita niya strength niya sa lowpost,” Jarencio said.
But Jarencio didn’t discount the contributions of his locals, saying it was “total team effort” that kept them afloat the entire way.
Stanley Pringle and Terrence Romeo scattered 23 and 20 points, respectively, while Asian import Omar Krayem chipped in 14 points for GlobalPort.
Talk ‘N Text was paced by import Steffphon Pettigrew, who sizzled with 35 points with 14 rebounds. Jayson Castro also exploded for 34 points with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
Pettigrew and Castro combined for 42 points in the second half to help Talk ‘N Text keep in step with GlobalPort, but their efforts went for naught.
Castro foiled two straight opportunities to send the game into overtime, missing two straight three-pointers.
