MANILA, Philippines – Stanley Pringle saw Jireh Ibanes on him, drove right, and met 3 Rain or Shine defenders at the rim.
It didn't matter.
The reigning PBA Rookie of the Year hit a game-winning layup with 0.1 seconds remaining on the game clock to lead his GlobalPort Batang Pier past the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters, 113-111, in an exciting showdown on Friday, November 13, at the PhilSports Arena.
Pringle finished the game with 27 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, plus went 11-of-15 from the field - but no shot was more crucial than the one he converted in the dying moments.
“Just being aggressive and making the right play. They trust me with the ball and I just wanted to be aggressive, take it to the rim and make the right play,” Pringle said about the last possession.
Terrence Romeo also played well, recording 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists, while Keith Jensen was a spark with 21 points and 5 3-pointers.
“It’s a morale-booster for the win,” said GlobalPort head coach Pido Jarencio, who for the first time in his PBA coaching career defeated Rain or Shine head coach Yeng Guiao.
The Elasto Painters were led by the 23 points of big man Beau Belga. Jeff Chan and Jericho Cruz also played well, finishing with 17 and 15 points, respectively. Raymond Almazan accounted for a double-double with 12 points and 10 boards.
The outcome of the game looked settled late in the fourth period when GlobalPort went up 109-103 with 1:44 to go after Joseph Yeo split a visit to the foul line, but over the next two plays, Gabe Norwood hit two charities of his own and Jeff Chan converted a basket to make it a two-point game with 1:14 remaining.
After Romeo hit two free throws, Chan hit a tough jumper to cut the lead back down to two. Romeo then drove to the rim but missed, opening the door for Belga to get fouled on the next Rain or Shine play and tying the game at 111-all.
With 14 seconds left, Jarencio gave Pringle the ball and he converted.
“It feels good that they trust me with the ball and I came through,” said the top pick in last year’s PBA Draft.
Overall, the Batang Pier shot 46% from the field and 44% from downtown. The Elasto Painters made 48% of their shots but hit just 6-of-28 from outside.
The result of the game gives both teams identical 3-1 records, which puts them in a 4-way tie along with San Miguel and Alaska for the top spot early in the league standings.
Scores:
GlobalPort (113): Pringle 27, Romeo 25, Jensen 21, Yeo 11, Washington 10, Kramer 6, Mamaril 4, Maierhofer 3, Paniamogan 3, Uyloan 3, Pena 0, Semerad 0, Sumang 0, Taha 0
Rain or Shine (111): Belga 23, Chan 17, Cruz 15, Almazan 12, Ponferada 11, Quinahan 8, Norwood 7, Teng 7, Trollano 4, Ubanes 3, Ahanmisi 2, Matias 2, Nimes 0, Tiu 0
Quarter scoring: 30-29, 62-57, 87-83, 113-111 – Rappler.com
