MANILA, Philippines - Gary David marked his full comeback to Globalport in style, rifling in the game-winning three-pointer as the Batang Pier turned the table on the Alaska Milk Aces, 91-88, in the PBA Governors Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.
Back playing his regular minutes, David played his old role as take-charge guy in the crunch, firing away a huge trey that enabled Globalport to match its 2-1 start in the mid-season Commissioner’s Cup.
It’s Globalport’s just fifth win in all in the season.
Before the game, PBA commissioner Chito Salud gave David a special plaque for his participation in Gilas Pilipinas’ momentous silver-medal finish in the recent FIBA Asia Championship.
And the 6-foot-2 gunner from Lyceum made the night extra special in helping Globalport score its very first win over Alaska Milk.
Against Rain or Shine last week, David played just 12 minutes and made three points.
Elijah Millsap turned in his most productive performance in three games with 33 points and 13 rebounds and Petron Blaze clobbered erstwhile unbeaten reigning champion Rain or Shine, 99-84, in the second game.
Alex Cabagnot contributed 16 points and 11 rebounds while Arwind Santos and Junmar Fajardo chipped in 13 and 12 points, respectively, for the Boosters who caught up with the Elasto Painters at 2-1.
Markeith Cummings, Willie Miller, Jay Washington and David all put in double-digit outputs as the Batang Pier stunned the Aces in their first outing after their Commissioner’s Cup title conquest.
“We had a bit of an advantage as it’s our third game and it’s Alaska’s first. They will surely bounce back,†said Globalport coach Junel Baculi.
“It’s a special tribute to Gary (David). In this very game, he showed his big heart,†Baculi also said.
Though struggling to make his shots, David took matters into his hands in their final possession, hitting a triple that shattered an 88-all count with 9.3 ticks left.