PBA: GlobalPort keeps Kia winless without Manny Pacquiao

Ronjay Buenafe starred for GlobalPort against Kia. KC Cruz

GlobalPort overcame a lethargic start to upend expansion team Kia, 84-79, on Tuesday at SMART-Araneta Coliseum.

 

The Batang Pier improved its record to 2-2 in the 2015 Philippine Cup while keeping the Sorento winless in three games without playing coach Manny Pacquiao. Kia's lone victory came on opening day against Blackwater, incidentally the only game that the fight icon has attended so far.

 

But GlobalPort had to wake up from its slumber in the first half, which Kia closed on a 14-3 run for a 47-36 advantage at the break.

 

"Ang ganda ng laro ng Kia, kami disorganized, magulo," admitted GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio,

 

The second half was a different story, as GlobalPort quickly whittled down the lead before taking a 62-61 edge heading into the final period.

 

A three-pointer from GlobalPort rookie John Pinto broke the game's final deadlock, 72-69. That touched off a 7-0 run that served as the finishing kick for the Batang Pier.

"Nakuha namin timing namin nung second half, medyo maganda pinagtapusan," said Jarencio. "Mga bata, may sigh of relief. Conference by conference nasa ilalim tayo, nakakapagod din naman. Morale-boosting, confidence building ito."
 

Ronjay Buenafe came off the bench to lead GlobalPort with 19 points built around four three-pointers. — JST, GMA News

 

The scores:

 

GLOBALPORT 84 - Buenafe 19, Pringle 13, Semerad 12, Isip 10, De Ocampo 8, Ponferada 6, Jensen 5, Pinto 4, Taha 3, Romeo 2, Baclao 2, Caperal 0, Nabong 0.

 

KIA 79 - Thiele 19, Cervantes 15, Padilla 11, Jaime 9, Buensuceso 7, Raymundo 7, Alvarez 4, Dehesa 4, Lingganay 3, Revilla 0, Alonzo 0, Saldua 0, Pascual 0.

 

Quarters: 13-19, 36-47, 62-61, 84-79