PBA: Jervy Cruz powers Rain or Shine over GlobalPort

Jervy Cruz exploded for 22 points and 16 rebounds, to lead the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to a 94-83 victory against the struggling GlobalPort Batang Pier at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City on Saturday. The win kept Rain or Shine near the top of the standings with a 3-1 record, while GlobalPort sank to the bottom, with a 1-4 card. "We just kept our game steady sa endgame. I think it's also some maturity we learned being in the Finals, finishing the game in a solid manner," said Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao. The reigning Governor's Cup champions were ahead 46-42 at the half before outscoring GlobalPort yet again in the third, 24-21. Jason Deutchman tried to keep Batang Pier close, 75-72, but his conversions were matched at the other end by TY Tang and Larry Rodriguez. A split by the rookie Deutchman at the 3:22 mark made it a five-point game, 84-79, before JR Quiñahan and Jeff Chan erased any hope of a comeback for the Batang pier with a 6-0 run in the final two minutes. Rey Guevarra went for a slam to counter, but the lead was too large and there was too little time left, as GlobalPort absorbed yet another defeat. "Their new guys had a great game. They just need a little time to jell, to know their roles," said Guiao of GlobalPort. "I think they'll be a little bit more dangerous in the middle of the conference." Chan added 13 for Rain or Shine while Ronnie Matias and Quiñahan chipped in 11 each. GlobalPort's rookies rose to the occasion as 2012 10th overall pick Jason Deutchman scored 18 while 14th pick AJ Mandani added 17 in the losing effort. Guevarra had 13, while Willie Miller was limited to 10 points. - AMD, GMA News