Games Tuesday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:15 p.m. – Meralco vs Blackwater
7 p.m. – Talk n Text vs Alaska
MANILA, Philippines – Pido Jarencio gained some reprieve, staying on as Globalport head coach as the Batang Pier bounced back from their sorry loss to the NLEX Road Warriors Tuesday with a 91-81 victory over the Barako Bull Energy in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Sunday night.
Alex Cabagnot and top draft pick Stanley Pringle churned out splendid all-around games as the Batang Pier stopped a seven-game slump from last season and, thus, saved their coach from losing his job.
“He’s under assessment. But had we gone 0-2, magkakaalaman agad (we would’ve known the result right away),” said Globalport team owner Mikee Romero.
“I was terribly disappointed in our last game that I scolded each one of them,” Romero also said, believing it’s the reason why words spread around that they’re ready to sack Jarencio.
Website reports said Globalport is to tap in Franz Pumaren to take over from Jarencio.
“We’ve not decided on anything. Tinakot lang namin dahil talagang disappointed kami in our last game,” said Romero.
The Batang Pier blew double-digit spreads in a 96-101 loss to the Road Warriors.
“Our loss against NLEX is a lesson learned. We had mistakes, and, totally, it’s on me,” admitted Jarencio.
“At least, we’ve overcome the jinx. Yung monkey on our back eh nadulas na,” Jarencio also said after nailing only his third win in 20 games with the team.
Under Jarencio, who replaced Ritchie Ticzon, the Batang Pier got identical 1-8 marks in the Commissioner’s Cup and the Governors Cup last season.
“This is for the team management. We owe it to them,” said Jarencio.
Cabagnot piled up 21 points and nine rebounds while Pringle logged in 19 markers and eight boards as Globalport handed Barako Bull a second straight loss.
Mark Isip collected double-double numbers with 12 points and 10 rebounds playing 33 minutes off the bench, Yancy de Ocampo also contributed 12 points while Terrence Romeo added nine markers after a 33-point season debut.
“The players really wanted this one,” said Jarencio. “As for me, in life there’s always pressure, good or bad. I’m used to that.
“Actually, the players were asking (about the rumors). I told them not to mind it. Let’s just play, let’s follow the game plan,” Jarencio added.