Terrence Romeo scored 26 points including clutch baskets to rescue the GlobalPort Batang Pier against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 107-101, in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday night at Alonte Sports Arena.
Romeo buried a crucial triple with 1:20 left, then made two free throws to give GlobalPort the lead for good in a seesaw battle between teams fighting for a playoff spot.
The spitfire guard also finished with seven assists and five boards to help the bid of Batang Pier (4-6), currently sharing the eighth spot with Phoenix, to secure a place in the eight-team quarterfinals.
Justin Harper also scored 19 points and 10 boards, while Stanley Pringle and Sean Anthony chipped in 15 markers apiece.
GlobalPort’s sizzling shooting from downtown to the game handed the Batang Pier a 27-14 first quarter lead.
But Rain or Shine countered with a 16-0 run capped by a James Yap triple in the second quarter to regain the advantage, 40-38, and make it a tight battle for the rest of the way.
Romeo then saved the Batang Pier in the fourth quarter where they were able to erase a seven-point deficit in the last five minutes.
Import Duke Crews scored 23 points and 17 boards while Yap finished with 22 points spiked by six triples. But their efforts went for naught as the Elasto Painters (5-5) fell short of sealing a quarterfinal berth.
