GlobalPort, coming off back-to-back wins, takes its turn to try to put a dent on the reigning champ's immaculate slate in the return of the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Monday.
On the continued absence of top gun Terrence Romeo, GlobalPort coach Pido Jarencio can only hope their preparation is enough to survive an expected uphill battle versus the San Miguel Beermen.
"We'll give our best," said Jarencio ahead of their tough test versus the Beermen at 7 p.m.
GlobalPort will ride the momentum of stirring back-to-back triumphs over Rain or Shine (78-70) and Blackwater (101-76), but the Batang Pier may well need to double their effort if they're to pull the rug from under the Beermen.
San Miguel, the reigning Philippine Cup three-time champ, is the lone remaining unbeaten team through the first five weeks of the tourney. The Beermen won their first four games over the Phoenix Fuel Masters (104-96), the Meralco Bolts (103-97), the TNT KaTropa Texters (88-76) and the NLEX Road Warriors (109-98).
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The Batang Pier, meanwhile, dropped their first two games against the Road Warriors (104-115) and the Barangay Ginebra Kings (97-104) before finally breaking through with two successive wins.
Sean Anthony and Stanley Pringle produced double-double games, and the whole GlobalPort team played a relentless up-tempo game to repulse Blackwater.
Minus Romeo, Pringle has emerged GlobalPort's lead gun, pacing the team and the tourney in scoring with 25.5 points an outing.
Interesting is his matchup with San Miguel's own prized guards in Chris Ross and Alex Cabagnot.
Anthony will also have a job cut out for him versus Arwind Santos.
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The big question is how can GlobalPort stop June Mar Fajardo, once again on an MVP run, averaging 23.5 points and 11.75 rebounds an outing.
Jarencio, however, insists they will be ready. (SB)
