Romeo scores 41 as GlobalPort draws first blood vs Alaska

Romeo was on fire all night for GlobalPort. KC Cruz

Terrence Romeo scored a career-high 41 to lift GlobalPort past Alaska, 107-93, in Game One of their best-of-seven Philippine semifinals series at Mall of Asia on Monday.

"First win sa semis," said GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio. "Lahat may first time."

GlobalPort is playing in its first final four series in franchise history. But the inexperience hardly showed as the Batang Pier jumped out to a 26-9 first quarter start powered by Romeo, who had 22 points at halftime.

Playing in the franchise's first final four series, GlobalPort blitzed Alaska 26-9 in the first quarter to set the tone.

"Best defensive team ang Alaska, pero tonight is our night," said Jarencio. "Mga players aggressive, gusto talaga nilang manalo."

The Aces, the runner-up of last year's  all-Filipino tournament, bit back in the second quarter, uncorking a 20-6 counter run to trim the lead to three, 32-29, midway through the second.

Baskets from Romeo, Keith Jensen, and Anthony Semerad bumped the lead bumped the lead back up to 10 entering the halftime break, giving GlobalPort a 52-42 edge.

A 10-2 run to start the third had the Batang Pier leading by 18, 62-44, before a late surge by the Aces trimmed the deficit anew. Four points from Jayvee Casio cut the lead to eight heading into the final turn.

But Romeo and the Batang Pier put the finishing touches on the game in the fianl period to secure the victory.

Despite the early series lead, Jarencio cautioned against being overconfident.

"Nanalo kami ng Game One pero sigurado mahaba 'to," said Jarencio, who expressed hope that his wards can play just as well for the rest of the series. "Siguro kailangan maging consistent kami." —JST, GMA News

The scores:

GLOBALPORT 107 - Romeo 41, Pringle 14, Jensen 12, Mamaril 12, Kramer 6, Semerad 6, Washington 6, Yeo 5, Maierhofer 4, Sumang 1, Pena 0.

ALASKA 93 - Baguio 15, Jazul 14, Manuel 14, Abueva 12, Thoss 12, Banchero 8, Menk 8, Casio 5, Hontiveros 3, Baclao 2, Dela Cruz 0, Dela Rosa 0, Exciminiano 0.

Quarters: 29-18, 52-42, 82-74, 107-93