Globalport checks 2-game skid

Games today (Smart Araneta Coliseum)

3 p.m. – Barako Bull vs Air21

5:15 p.m. – Alaska vs Petron

MANILA, Philippines - Sol Mercado and Jay Washington took charge for Globalport last night, coming through with season-high outputs as the Batang Pier drubbed the Meralco Bolts, 93-89, to snap a two-game losing skein in the PLDT MyDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Deferring to their rookie teammates in their previous games, Mercado and Washington both stepped up in this match, delivering 33 and 27 points, respectively, as the Batang Pier bounced back to surpass their one-win showing in this tourney last year.

Mercado was all over the floor in the closing seconds, knocking in three charities, pulling one stop and grabbing one rebound to cap his best showing since a 45-game explosion in the 2010 season with Rain or Shine.

Washington also collected 10 rebounds and three assists on top of his 27 points while RR Garcia added 12 points, including two big treys in the fourth quarter as Globalport caught up with Alaska Milk and Meralco at 2-3.

“It’s just discipline, trusting one another,” said Washington.

“We’re a work in progress. In the first four games, we’re still trying to get to know each other. We’re playing lots of one-on-one. We’re selfless tonight and made a conscious effort to play defense,” said Mercado.

Rookie Terrence Romeo, still the league-scoring leader before the game, took the backseat, making only four points on 2-of-8 shooting.

Globalport coach Ritchie Ticzon said defense was a big key.

“We’re able to execute our defensive game plan. We made the stops,” said Ticzon. “Everybody responded very well after our two losses. The boys played with their hearts out.”

The Batang Pier overhauled a nine-point halftime deficit, pulling ahead, 66-64, at the end of the third and standing their ground in a battle at the finish.

Rain or Shine wavered at the finish but Paul Lee came through with big bailout plays, including two three-pointers as the Elasto Painters salvaged an 86-83 decision over the San Mig Coffee Mixers in the nightcap.

“We played sloppy towards the end. We made bad decisions. We’re lucky to get away with the win,” said coach Yeng Guiao after his team moved up to 4-1 in the standings.

With firepower from Gary David, Mike Cortez, Sunday Salvacion, Jarred Dillinger and John Wilson, the Bolts narrowly missed what could have been a third straight win.

The Bolts took the half at 46-37 on strong starts by Salvacion and Cortez and on a 10-to-nothing closing run by Wilson, David and Don Allado.

The two teams fought through two deadlocks and 10 lead changes before the Bolts seized good rhythm towards the end of the second quarter.

Salvacion was perfect in the first half with 3-of-3 three-pointers and 3-of-3 charities while Cortez was impeccable with a 4-of-5 clip.

The Batang Pier, however, had their own run in the third quarter, moving ahead, 66-64, going into the payoff period.

Meanwhile, Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross finally suit up though still doubtful starters as Petron Blaze goes for win No. 5 versus Alaska Milk in a Petron Blaze Saturday special at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Boosters and the Aces face off at 5:15 p.m. after the 3 p.m. curtain-raiser between Barako Bull and Air21.

“Our work will really be cut out for us against a very well-coached and organized Alaska team. We are just hoping that we could still hold the fort for this game and play to our potential,” said Petron coach Gee Abanilla

The Aces are also wary of the Boosters despite all their health woes.

“Yes, they have been playing well despite their injuries. Junmar (Fajardo) is in another level and so is Marcio (Lassiter). Both in my opinion are the best in their respective positions in the PBA now,” said Alaska coach Luigi Trillo.

The scores: 

First Game

Globalport 93 – Mercado 33, Washington 27, Garcia 12, Lingganay 6, Hayes 4, Romeo 4, Salvador 4, Yee 3, Menk 0, Nabong 0, Chua 0, Belencion 0, Salva 0.

Meralco 89 – David 18, Cortez 18, Salvacion 15, Dillinger 13, Wilson 11, Al-Hussaini 7, Allado 7, Caram 0, Sena 0, Guevarra 0.

Quarterscores: 21-22, 37-46, 66-64, 93-89

Second Game

Rain or Shine 86 – Lee 26, Chan 11, Araña 7, Tang 6, Teng 6, Norwood 6, Cruz 5, Rodriguez 5, Quiñahan 4, Belga 2, Almazan 2, Tiu 2, Nuyles 2, Ibañes 2. 

San Mig Coffee 83 – Barroca 23, Simon 18, Pingris 12, Devance 11, Sangalang 8, Reavis 7, Mallari 4, Acuna 0, Gaco 0, Cawaling 0.

Quarterscores: 25-15, 38-34, 62-59, 86-83