Globalport Inches Closer to QF Spot After Rout of Kia

GlobalPort placed one foot into the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals after romping Kia, 108-91, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Wednesday night.

The Batang Pier bounced back after a hot start by the Picanto with a pivotal second-quarter pummeling as they go back up to .500 — and tying Barangay Ginebra in sixth place — with one game left in their schedule.

Kia went off to some spoiler mode in the first quarter, taking a 26-23 lead over Globalport at the end of the period.

The Batang Pier, however, outscored the Picanto, 28-14, in the second quarter to open a 51-40 halftime lead before holding off one final push from the latter.

“It was a total team effort. Yung team, gusto talagang makapasok sa (The team really wants to make it to the) quarters,” said Coach Pido Jarencio after the game. “At least, we’re there already. Medyo lamang na papuntang (We are slightly leading towards the) quarters. Naka-focus yung team — ready kung anong mangyayari (The team is focused — ready for what will happen).”

Sean Anthony and Kelly Nabong tallied 21 points each for GlobalPort, which will face Phoenix in its final elimination round assignment on March 2.

Reden Celda made 20 markers for Kia, which will close out its campaign in the season-opening conference against San Miguel on Friday.

Box Scores:

GlobalPort 108: Anthony 21, Nabong 21, Pringle 15, Sargent 12, Teng 7, Grey 6, Flores 6, Gabayni 6, Guinto 6, Juico 4, Elorde 2, Araña 2, Taha 0

Kia 91: Celda 20, Gabriel 17, McCarthy 14, Camson 12, Jamon 9, Corpuz 5, Tubid 5, Sara 4, Cabrera 3, Yee 2, Lastimosa 0, Galanza 0, Khobuntin 0, Ababou 0

Quarterscores: 23-26, 51-40, 78-67, 108-91 (PNA)