MANILA, Philippines – GlobalPort leaned on the one-two punch of Sean Anthony and Malcolm White to deal NLEX its fourth loss in five outings in the 2018 Commissioner's Cup, Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
White and Anthony's stellar night rubbed off on their teammates in the final frame, enabling the Batang Pier to bury the Road Warriors by as many as 22 points.
Anthony led the way in scoring with 16 first half points. He finished the game with 21 points and seven boards. White, who was coming from an episode of back spasms, chimed in 20 points to go with 14 rebounds.
Mo Tautuaa, Nico Elorde and Stanley Pringle figured in the assault in the payoff period that left NLEX scrambling for anything that resembled stability.
"Actually we just played good basketball," said GlobalPort head coach Pido Jarencio. "Our percentages were high. At the same time, we defended well. Hats off to the players. Lahat nagtulong-tulong. Total team effort. Sana maging consistent kaming ganoon."
Rookie Kiefer Ravena paced the Road Warriors with 24 points. The Road Warriors led by three at one point, but with only import Arnett Moultrie and Larry Fonacier churning out double-figures, they were unable to withstand the blistering shooting when it mattered.
The win improves the Batang Pier's record to 3-2. They move on to face the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on May 20 at the Big Dome.
The Road Warriors, who are struggling to replicate their elimination round success last conference, tangle with a listless Blackwater squad on May 30, also at the same venue.
The Scores:
GLOBALPORT 116 — Anthony 21, White 20, Pringle 19, Elorde 16, Tautuaa 13, Sargent 10, Araña 6, Grey 6, Javelona 3, Guinto 2, Teng 0.
NLEX 94 — Ravena 24, Moultrie 19, Fonacier 11, Ighalo 8, Mallari 6, Quiñahan 6, Buenafe 5, Miranda 5, Monfort 3, Soyud 3, Gotladera 2, Tiongson 2, Baguio 0.
Quarters: 26-20, 55-43, 86-72, 116-94.