GlobalPort exacts revenge on Rain or Shine for 3rd win

Raymond Almazan (right) challenges the shot of Jay Washington.

Photo courtesy of Nuki Sabio

Last year, GlobalPort was very close to forcing a rubber match for a semifinals berth. Leading after 36 minutes, everyone was expecting a do-or-die match pitting GlobalPort against Rain or Shine. But Junel Baculi's ejection, and the eventual defeat of his team, started a series of events that ended with interim coach Richie Ticzon replacing him at the helm.

This time, though it is a game in the eliminations, GlobalPort avenged its setback.

Despite squandering a 14-point cushion near the end, the Batang Pier held on to win over Rain or Shine, 90-88, in the continuation of the 2013 PBA PLDT-myDSL PBA Philippine Cup.

After ending the 1st half, 36-35, GlobalPort clamped down on the defensive end, making key stops and effectively setting up their teammates. In particular, Marvin Hayes, Mark Yee, Kelly Nabong and Rudy Lingganay were the ones responsible for defending their match-ups, Hayes and Yee taking turns in guarding shooting specialist Jeffrei Chan. The third quarter ended with a ten-point deficit for the Painters, 60-70.

However, the tables turned on GlobalPort as Paul Lee provided the spark for Rain or Shine. The 2012 Rookie of the Year poured 13 of his 20 points in the successful effort to erase the lead of the Batang Pier. A triple by the man dubbed as the "Angas ng Tondo" tied the game at 87-all with less than 180 seconds left.

Sol Mercado responded by driving hard to the basket, which resulted to a trip to the foul line. However, Mercado split his charities to shove GlobalPort ahead, 88-87.

A failed offensive thrust by the E-Painters resulted to Mercado dishing out a pass to rookie Justin Chua. Chua did not fail Mercado, and hit the baseline jay to push the lead to three, 90-87.

Beau Belga muscled his way to the paint to get fouled by Chua. Belga split his freethrows to cut the deficit to two, 90-88.

A challenged shot by Lee following a missed triple by Mercado over Belga resulted in GlobalPort having a chance to easily get away with the win. But Belga held his ground against Jay Washington and blocked the latter's shot to give Rain or Shine a decent shot at stealing the game from GlobalPort.

Coach Yeng Guiao drew up a play that supposedly would give Lee or Chan a wide-open shot from long distance. But the E-Painters were not able to execute properly, a missed shot by Lee gave Rain or Shine their second loss in six games.

Mercado and Washington had 20 points apiece, with Mercado dishing seven dimes and Washington grabbing 13 boards. Rookies Chua and RR Garcia added 12 and 13, respectively. Terrence Romeo still struggled with a solitary point, but gave four assists to contribute fairly.

JR Quinahan had 14 markers and added eight rebounds for good measure. (GS)

The scores:

GLOBALPORT 90 – Washington 20, Mercado 20, Garcia 13, Chua 12, Nabing 8, Yee 5, Lingganay 5, Hayes 4, Salvador 2, Romeo 1, Menk 0, Belencion 0.

RAIN OR SHINE 88 – Lee 20, Quinahan 14, Norwood 11, Belga 10, Cruz 9, Chan 8, Arana 7, Teng 4, Nuyles 3, Tiu 2, Almazan 0, Ibanes 0, Rodriguez 0.

Quarterscores: 18-22, 36-35, 70-60, 90-88.