Globalport scrapes past Texters in PBA Governor's Cup thriller

(MENAFN- Arab News) Stanley Pringle just downplayed the reasons why he is the present and future of this Globalport franchise.
Under siege all game long from powerhouse Talk 'N Text Pringle held the Batang Pier together in the stretch assisting or scoring in the last 13 points of Globalport in a 123-120 decision of the Tropang Texters in the PBA Governors' Cup on Friday night at the Araneta Coliseum.
The 6-foot point guard tabbed first overall by the Batang Pier in the last Draft also broke up two critical Talk 'N Text offensives that helped preserve Globalport's fourth win in six games.
The game was one of those old-fashioned shootouts with the Texters' guns conking out when they needed them most as Jason Castro after shooting 34 points couldn't connect on two triple tries inside the final 11 seconds which could have taken the game into an extension.
Pringle scored the last four Globalport points including two charities off Casto with 11 ticks to go for what turned out to be the final count.
Earlier the wily point guard fed Keith Jensen for two key triples the last of them opening up a 119-115 lead with still 3:27 left. The Batang Pier would not lose the lead again from there.
It was a big triumph for Globalport as it arrested a two-game slide and it was bigger for coach Pido Jarencio who lost his eldest brother Giovanni on Monday because of a massive heart attack.
'He was my biggest fan' Jarencio told scribes inside the press room fighting back tears. 'This win is for my brother and his family. He loved this game so much.'
Jarrid Famous the Batang Pier's third import scored 27 points and plucked down 18 rebounds in an overpowering performance in the shaded lane which the Texters found hard to match.
Terrence Romeo scored 20 Asian import Omar Krayem chipped in with 14 and Doug Kramer 10 for Jarencio who got 23 points five assists four rebounds and two steals from Pringle.
Pringle was actually robbed of another steal by game officials when he intercepted a pass by Sam Daghles to Castro only to be ruled out of bounds by the referee when he was trying to save possession.
'I saw that play it happened right in front of us and it was clear that it was a clean steal and save' Jarencio said. 'That call almost deflated the kid. Good thing that he bounced back.'
That piece of action took place with still 26.7 seconds remaining but Daghles could not capitalize on the break that the Texters gained as he missed a layup horribly which led to those two Pringle free throws.
Steffphon Pettigrew tossed in 35 points and Castro 34 for the Texters who also got Daghles scoring 19 and Ranidel de Ocampo 10.
It was the first loss in the last three games for the Texters who are working to win a second straight championship after ruling the Commissioner's Cup over Rain or Shine just over a month back.
Meanwhile Rico Maierhofer the Barako Bull center who attempted to block San Miguel Beer forward Gabby Espinas' shot with a shoe last Wednesday was fined P20000 by the Office of the Commissioner for his action.
Describing Maierhofer's folly as a 'blatant disregard and mockery of the rules' the league slapped the fine on Maierhofer who became an instant Internet celebrity for his action now named the 'Shoe-Palpal.'
In the first game Meralco spread out its offense and scored an 87-72 ripping of newcomer Blackwater.
Andre Emmet tossed in 17 points Gary David added 16 and Jarred Dillinger Seiya Ando and Sean Anthony all finished in twin digits to combine for 34 as the Bolts rose to a level 3-3 record.
The loss was the second straight for the Elite after that heart-rending double overtime defeat to fellow rookie squad KIA Motors earlier in the week.