Caguioa, Global’s Romeo dance again
By WAYLON GALVEZ
Manila, Philippines – Ginebra shoots for the No. 1 berth in the quarters when it battles Globalport today as the rest of the teams – except for Air21 – continue their quest for better positions in the 2014 PLDT myDSL PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The first time Ginebra and Globalport met, it was a classic one as Kings’ Mark Caguioa engaged rookie Terrence Romeo of Globalport in a torrid shootout.
It could be hotter and fiercer this time when they clash at 5:45 p.m. with the Kings determined to nail the top seed going into the next round aside from owning a twice-to-beat advantage.
The game is likewise important for the Batang Pier.
If they get back at their first round tormentors, they will be assured of a berth in the quarters.
Globalport is tied for sixth to eighth places with Meralco and Barako Bull at 5-8, assuring themselves of a playoff for the next round.
Colliding at 8 p.m. are San Mig Super Coffee and defending three-time champion Talk ’N Text – two teams with already assured slots in the quarterfinals.
The Coffee Mixers moved up to solo fifth place with a 6-7 card after extending their winning streak to three games with a 112-97 demolition of the Petron Blaze Boosters last Wednesday.
Petron fell to third spot at 9-3.
Rain or Shine is at second place with a 10-2 record after JR Quinahan helped the Elasto Painters to an 89-86 win opposite the Meralco Bolts when he nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer. Meralco fell to a three-way tie for sixth to eighth places with Barako Bull and Globalport.
With a 4-9 card, Alaska still has a shot at making to the playoffs provided the Aces hurdle their last assignment.
But the Batang Pier are likewise confident of avenging their 109-104 loss to the Kings last Nov. 28 at the Mall of Asia Arena.
In that game, Caguioa – the PBA Most Valuable Player back in 2012 – scored 14 of his 29 points in the fourth quarter.
Romeo, the No. 5 overall selection in the last PBA Rookie Draft who idolizes Caguioa, also had 14 in the fourth period and finished with 27 markers.
“I’m excited to play against Kuya Mark again,” said the 5-foot-10 Romeo, as Globalport is looking to carry the momentum of its 91-88 overtime win against Alaska last Sunday despite missing the services of Jay Washington, who is out with an injured right foot.
Ginebra is also fresh from a win as it downed Barako Bull (90-83) also last Sunday.
Equally exciting is the TNT versus SMC game, with the Tropang Texters aiming to snap a two-game skid.
“Right now, because our position in the standings is pretty much set, it’s all about trying to establish momentum going to the playoffs,” said TNT coach Norman Black, whose team may end up between third to fifth place in the next round.
“We’re struggling a little with injuries,” said Black, who adding that he might opt to rest Kelly Williams (foot), Ryan Reyes (leg) and Noy Baclao (leg) for them to recover from injuries. “We will be out there fighting to win in our game versus San Mig. All three guys will be back for the playoffs.”