Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — GlobalPort Batang Pier opened their PBA season with a 97-75 romp of the Mahindra Floodbuster on Friday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Reigning scoring champion Terrence Romeo had 29 points on 9-of-13 shooting, six assists, and two rebounds for the Batang Pier.
Mahindra never found their rhythm even allowing the lead to balloon to as high as 27 in the third frame.
Batang Pier waxed hot at the rainbow country converting 12 three-pointers.
Fresh from a coaching stint in the collegiate ranks, Franz Pumaren called the shots the Batang Pier who marked their first season opener victory in franchise history.
Stanley Pringle contributed 16 points, while new acquisition J.R. Quiñahan added 10 points for GlobalPort.
Mahindra’s Alex Mallari paced his new squad with 17 points and nine rebounds.
The scores:
GlobalPort (97) – Romeo 29, Pringle 16, Quiñahan 10, Canaleta 9, Pessumal 8, Aban 5, Pennisi 5, Semerad 5, Maierhofer 4, Mamaril 4, Saitanan 2, Cortez 0, Dehesa 0, Paredes 0.
Mahindra (75) – Mallari 17, Deutchman 14, Apinan 10, Celda 10, Escoto 6, Revilla 5, Yee 5, Digregorio 4, Arana 2, Eriobu 2, Salva 0, Paniamogan 0, Nimes 0, Galanza 0, Ballesteros 0.
Quarterscores: 24-19, 46-28, 70-45, 97-75.
