The GlobalPort Batang Pier is scheduled for a head-to-head game against the Phoenix Petroleum Fuel Masters at 4:15 P.M. on May 5, 2017 in Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Fuel Masters are looking to avenge their loss against the Bolts last Wednesday while the Batang Pier wants to keep their playoff hopes alive.
GlobalPort is clearly struggling without their star player Terrence Romeo in their rotation. Romeo sat out when the second conference started due to flu-like symptoms then later with a bum stomach.
In those two absences, Batang Pier absorbed a couple of losses despite of heavy scoring coming from Stanley Pringle.
With Romeo in coach Franz Pumaren’s lineup, GlobalPort is better. They were able to register two wins out of their five outings.
Because of the upcoming 2017 SEABA Championship tournament, Terrence Romeo will once again be absent in his team’s lineup. Same thing with Phoenix’s top rookie Matthew Wright.
JC Intal and Cyrus Baguio are both expected to fill-up the slack left by Wright who is currently averaging 9.2 points, 5.2 rebounds and 4.2 assists.
However, coach Pumaren is more concern on Phoenix’s import who is beasting in the PBA hardcourt. Jameel McKay stats are above impressive, he delivers 26.5 points, 21 rebounds and 5 swats per outing.
“We need contributors from our bench to compete and to slow down their import,” stressed Pumaren.