MANILA, Philippines -- Terrence Romeo provided the new year's fireworks for GlobalPort as he dropped a new career-high 41 points in leading the Batang Pier to a stunning 107-93 Game One win against the top seed Alaska Aces on Monday night at the start of their 2015-16 Smart Bro PBA Philippine Cup semifinals at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Romeo was a man on a mission waxing hot early with 22 first half points as GlobalPort led from start to finish. The league's scoring leader dropped 13 right in the opening quarter with the Batang Pier streaking to an 18-point lead, 24-6, which they protected until the end.
"Hindi naman importante kung naka-career-high ako, basta manalo ang team," Romeo said.
It was not only a Romeo show for Batang Pier as Stanley Pringle (14), Keith Jensen (12) and Billy Mamaril (12) provided ample support hitting in double figures.
The Aces looked rusty coming off a 15-day layoff hitting only 37 percent of their shots in that woeful first half. The Game One victory was a complete reversal of their elimination meeting when the Aces routed the Batang Pier, 124-103.
Romeo added four assists and two steals in a spectacular performance where he also shot 6-of-11 from the long distance.
The Aces seek to bounce back while the Batang Pier eye a commanding 2-0 series lead in their first ever semifinal appearance in the PBA when they clash again on Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.