PBA: GlobalPort outlasts Ginebra, books semis slugfest vs Alaska

The GlobalPort Batang Pier booked their first franchise semifinals appearance, after defeating Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 84-83, in overtime on Sunday at the MOA Arena in Pasay City.

"We all know Ginebra is a tough team and Coach Tim is a good coach, pero breaks of the game yun e," said GlobalPort head coach Pido Jarencio after the game. "Credit sa boys. Deserve talaga nila yung mapunta sa semis."

Stanley Pringle paced the Batang Pier with 25 points, while Terrence Romeo added 23. Jay Washington and Joseph Yeo chipped in 13 and 11 points, respectively.

"Credit to Terrence, Stanley, wala kaming masasabi talagang deserving mga players," Jarencio added. "This is a good team. We need to work harder. Pahinga muna kami, practice, enjoy this win. First time namin makapunta sa semis."

Tied at 74-all at the end of regulation, GlobalPort went on an 8-2 swing to take a comfortable 82-76 lead heading into the final two and a half minutes of extra time.

An LA Tenorio trey and a pair of splits from Japeth Aguilar trimmed the lead to three in the final 41 seconds, 84-81, before Pringle committed a turnover that led to another Aguilar basket with eight seconds to go.

In GlobalPort's final play, Pringle looked like he held the ball longer much longer than the five seconds permitted, but officials did not blow the whistle for a violation.

The Gin Kings tried to raise the issue to the referees even after the final buzzer to no avail, but head coach Tim Cone signed the official scorebook, giving Ginebra the chance to file a protest until Monday, until 12pm.

Greg Slaughter led Ginebra with 25 markers, while LA Tenorio followed up his heroic performance on Christmas day with 18 points. Joe Devance had 12, while Mark Caguioa and Sol Mercado tallied nine each. Japeth Aguilar stuggled for just six points with a two of nine shooting clip. - GMA News