Recap: Romeo Unleashed Romeo was a man among boys in this game (Photo credit: interaksyon/interaktv) With Air21 trapping the ball handler, Globalport used smart passing to get the ball up-court. Terrence Romeo picked a spot behind the three-point line and used his quickness to get separation from his defender. He received the ball on the wing, gathered himself and released. Globalport fans raised their hands, three fingers each up. Everybody knew it was going in. We just needed confirmation. Swish. Air21 came into the game with a mission. They were embarrassed by Barako Bull last Wednesday, 88-75, in a game that wasn’t as close as the final score indicated. They wanted revenge, and they wanted to take it out on Globalport. But coach Richie Ticzon had a surprise for them at the start of the game. He inserted Eric Menk into the starting lineup to match up against Asi Taulava, and it immediately paid dividends. Menk seemed to know Asi’s tendencies well, forcing him to miss shots in the post, essentially neutralizing Air21 inside and allowing Globalport’s guards to close in on the shooters. Overall, Air21 shot just 28.6% from the three on 4 of 14 shooting. On offense, Globalport used a combination of shots in the paint and outside sniping to erect a good lead. But time and again, Air21 countered with Chito Jaime, who’s outside shooting and timely rebounds helped make the game close. The second quarter ended 47-46, Globalport. At half-time all I could think of was, I really didn’t want to lose to Air21, not when KG Canaleta was having an awful game so far. He only had 4 points at the half, give or take. I didn’t need to worry, because when the second half came, it began. The Terrence Romeo Show. It was nasty. Time and again Romeo abused his defender using a variety of moves that confused the bejeesus out of them. It didn’t matter who Air21 put on him: Joseph Yeo, Bon Bon Custodio or Winnie Arboleda. All of them ended up on the other side of a Terrence Romeo highlight. But the real fun started when he found his range. Spot-up three, step-back two, step-back three, turnaround jumper, he took them and he made them all. He asked for the ball in every possession and Sol Mercado was wise enough to ride the hot hand. Romeo was oozing in confidence and it rubbed off on his teammates. RR Garcia was able to penetrate and dish, Mercado facilitated better, and Jay Washington set up Salvador and Menk with crisp inside passing for easy shots inside. When Romeo went to the bench, Globalport’s lead was 12. Air21 refused to give up and used coach Franz Pumaren’s patented pressure defense. It was effective. When they didn’t force turnovers, they forced hurried shots from Globalport. When they got the rebound, they quickly ran in transition. Joseph Yeo made some baskets and the rally was on. Globalport’s lead dwindled down to 6. But coach Richie Ticzon was having none of that. He put Romeo back in the game, who promptly made a three to end Air21’s mini-run. The onslaught continued when Jaypee Belencion joined the party by nailing a couple of three pointers himself. Globalport’s lead went up to 19. Air21 made another push late. Taulava muscled his way inside for consecutive points and it looked like he just might be able to rally his boys. KG Canaleta showed some pulse and made consecutive jumpers as well. The lead was cut to 9 with less than three minutes remaining. But just like in the third quarter when Air21 was on a run, the ball found Romeo wide open for a three and swished it like it was a free throw. Romeo finished the game with 34 points on an efficient 10 of 17 shooting, including 6 of 9 from deep. Globalport got their first win of the season, 114-100. Matchup of note: Erik Menk vs Asi Taulava Asi Taulava: 21 points and 15 rebounds in 38 minutes. Erik Menk: 7 points and 10 rebounds in 26 minutes. Taulava won the stats battle, but Menk did enough to help his team win. Menk’s defense on Taulava was instrumental in preventing Air21 from getting a quick start, and his defense all throughout the game was outstanding. X-Factor: Jay Washington Jay Wash had a double-double with 19 points and 12 rebounds, which are nice stats. But I felt his impact on the game was on the things that are not in the stat sheet. His leadership, especially on defense, put incredible pressure on Air21. He directed his teammates where they needed to position themselves and challenged shots at the rim. Key to the game: Attack the Rim Globalport took the ball inside in the beginning of the game, and it yielded good results. When Air21 countered by tightening up their interior defense, the shooters were left wide open. Globalport made them pay by converting 10 of 27 shots behind the arc. Stray Observations Coach Richie deserves credit. His rotation and in-game adjustments were top-notch. Theres still room for improvement, but this game is a good sign of things to come. I didn’t notice it on TV, but Jondan Salvador is really strong. In one instance, Taulava received the ball in the post and tried to back him down, but he stood his ground and didn’t give an inch. Asi passed the ball back to the guard to repost… and he STILL could not get an inside position. In the preview, I said Joseph Yeo would be the main gunner on the wing for Air21 due to Mac Cardona’s injury. He made me look smart by scoring 24 points on 10 of 18 shooting. Thanks, Mr. Yeo! Globalport shot 78.9% from the free throw line while Air21 shot just 59.5%. Globalport had 27 assists while Air21 had 12. When Globalport shares the ball like that, they’re pretty unstoppable. Nico Salva and RR Garcia played solid games for themselves. I hope it doesn’t get buried by Romeo’s special game. With that said, Terrence Romeo had a pretty freaking special game. There’s really no way to adequately describe his game without adding some curse words in it. One more thing, I was able to watch this game live because of the generosity of the Globalport Batang Pier management and through the Globalport Batang Pier Facebook Group. I have to say, the game is so much more fun to watch when you’re with fans who are very passionate. I’m exhausted and my throat hurts from all the shouting, but it was all worth it. Thank you to everyone who made it possible- management, admins and fellow fans. Next time ulit! Fight! Fight! Fight! Bonus: Best Cheer: When Chito Jaime was on the free throw line, somebody shouted: Jaime tawag ka ni Betchay! So random and funny. (c) to the brilliance of our resident blogger. Mark McGee - Susie batangpier.blogspot/2013/11/recap-romeo-unleashed.html
Posted on: Sun, 24 Nov 2013 00:24:05 +0000
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