Import Markeith Cummings made a good account of himself in his first game on Philippine soil, leading Globalport Batang Pier to an easy 101-94 win over the Air21 Express last night at the start of the 2013 PBA Governor’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Brilliant throughout the game, the energetic Cummings finished with a game-high 37 points on a high 14-for-20 shooting from the field. He also laced his superb offensive showing with 11 rebounds and three steals.
After taking a slim 24-20 lead at the end of the first period, Globalport ripped the game apart by posting a 47-30 lead in the second quarter.
Batang Pier maintained double-digit spreads from that point on until the Express staged a mini rally to move within 76-83 in the final 8:56.
Air21’s rally was short-lived as Cummings sparked an 8-0 blast and Globalport restored another double-digit lead, 91-76, with only 6:50 left.
Cummings provided a highlight reel in the closing seconds where he completed a break-away 360 dunk that gave his team a commanding 100-87 advantage with 1:20 to play.
Globalport also got a huge lift from its locals led by Jay Washington, the Fil-Am forward that the team acquired in a trade that saw Japeth Aguilar move to the Barangay Ginebra Kings. The former Petron stalwart marked his first game with Globalport with 15 points.
Jaypee Belencion was the suprise package for the Batang Pier, chipping in 14 markers spiked by four triples. Willie Miller added 10 points as Globalport won convincingly despite the absence of gunner Gary David, who was allowed to take a respite after suiting up with the Gilas Pipinas in the recent Fiba Asia Championships.
Zach Graham top scored for the Express with 31 points, while Niño Canaleta and Mark Isip contributed 19 and 13 markers, respectively.
BOX SCORES
GLOBALPORT (101)- Cummings 37, Washington 15, Belencion 14, Miller 10, Lingganay 8, Mercado 8, Hayes 6, Salvador 2, Yee 1, Buensuceso 0, Taha 0, Nabong 0, Alonzo 0.
AIR21 (94)- Graham 31, Canaleta 19, Isip 13, Menor 9, Sharma 8, Arboleda 7, Sena 2, Custodio 2, Cortez 2, Omolon 1, Manuel 0. QUARTERSCORES: 24-20, 53-42, 78-68, 101-94.