Terrence Romeo fired a clutch triple with nine seconds left as the GlobalPort Batang Pier moved on to the playoffs after prevailing over the Alaska Aces, 107-106, in their pulsating knockout game for No.8 seed in the Oppo PBA Commissioner’s Cup Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena.
Romeo finished with 26 points, five rebounds and three assists while sinking the game-winner that saved the Batang Pier’s tournament lives.
GlobalPort will take on No.1 Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals, with the Gin Kings enjoying a twice-to-beat advantage.
Import Justin Harper led Batang Pier with 32 points and 17 rebounds, while Stanley Pringle added 21 points, six boards and five dimes.
Cory Jefferson made 32 points and 16 rebounds as Calvin Abueva put up import-like numbers, scoring 31 points and 13 boards. But their efforts went for naught as Alaska lost its eighth straight game to bow out of the tournament.
Despite Alaska leading by 12 points early, the game went down to the wire after GlobalPort’s comeback. Both teams exchanged big shot after another in the final frame.
Abueva hit a tough floater off the glass for a 104-103 Alaska lead with 21 ticks left.
But Romeo countered with his booming three-pointer to give the Batang Pier a two-point cushion.
Abueva then had a sorry miss on his jumper attempt, but Harper split his free throws on the other end to open the door for a potential game-tying triple from the Aces.
But Simon Enciso missed a triple from the corner. Ping Exciminiano put it back in for a follow-up, but that wasn’t enough to force extra time.
