Feb 22, 2018

Trusting Ryan Arana to draw up GlobalPort's last play vs. KIA testament to Batang Pier's team spirit

GlobalPort veteran Ryan Arana said the decision by coach Pido Jarencio to allow him to draw up a play late in Wednesday's 108-91 victory over Kia was a testament to the team spirit that has put the Batang Pier on the verge of securing qualification to the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

Jarencio replicated what Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr did during a recent NBA game by letting Arana call the shots with 1:37 left in the fourth quarter and the Batang Pier leading 103-88 over the Picanto.

"Kanina, habang naghuhuddle sila, umupo lang ako then binigay sa akin yung board at sabi: 'Sige, Ry, ikaw mag-drawing ng last play for Stanley (Pringle). So nag-drawing ako and everyone was listening,'" Arana said.

"Yun yung kagandahan sa team namin kasi si coach Pido, pwedeng biru-biruin mo lang e. At the same time, respeto namin kay coach Pido is mataas, so yun siguro advantage namin sa ibang team na ok si coach Pido, parang barkadahan lang yung samahan," he added.

The win, orchestrated after squandering a 16-point lead, put GlobalPort in a tie for sixth with Barangay Ginebra San Miguel at 5-5, needing to beat Phoenix on March 2 at the Big Dome to clinch a quarterfinals berth.

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GlobalPort made a good account of itself this conference despite missing ace scorer Terrence Romeo to injury and Jarencio back at the helm after a two-year hiatus.

Stanley Pringle emerged as the Batang Pier's leading scorer, Kelly Nabong produced five double-doubles in a huge bounce-back performance following an unceremonious exit at Meralco, Sean Anthony maintaining his all-around play and the likes of Jonathan Grey, Brad Guinto, Jeric Teng and rookie Julian Sargent providing quality minutes.

"Kahit talo o panalo kami, si coach Pido positive lagi," Arana said. "Lagi niyang sinasabi na tapos na yun, past is past na. Looking forward na tayo sa next game natin. Gusto namin na pag sa game, ibigay din namin best namin. And yung result naman is maayos." (JT)