Globalport coach Pido Jarencio likes what he sees after his retooled team posted back-to-back victories in tune up games against foreign teams this past week, but he knows the Batang Pier are still a work in progress.
“We have to improve on certain things, like defense. But so far, we’re doing well, that’s why we won the games,” said Jarencio, who will be in his second season as the coach of Globalport.
Jarencio’s team stunned the visiting Changwon LG Sakers, 78-78, last Wednesday with Terrence Romeo exploding for 26 points – 22 in the first half – while top rookie pick Stanley Pringle collected 19 points.
Two days later, the Batang Pier edged the Kuwait national team in a fight-marred encounter as Globalport came away with a 71-49 victory at the Gatorade Hoops Gym in Show Blvd., Mandaluyong City.
The game was halted with 0.9 seconds remaining in the third period when Romeo almost came to blows a Kuwaiti player, before cooler heads prevailed as both sides agreed not to continue the match.
The two wins likewise impressed Globalport owner Mikee Romero.
But Romero said the team needs more tune-up games so that their players will know their roles.