By JAY R. GOTERA
MANILA — Import Donte Greene showed why he deserves to be considered as a Gilas Pilipinas naturalized player as he powered the TNT KaTropa Texters to an emphatic 109-88 win over the GlobalPort Batang Pier in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Friday night.
Greene, who has made known his readiness to undergo naturalization to become part of the Philippine men’s national team, led all scorers with 33 points, including four three-pointers, along with 10 rebounds.
Jayson Castro led TNT’s locals with 15 points, four assists, two boards, and two blocks in less than 24 minutes.
Ranidel de Ocampo added 14 points just in 15 minutes.
The win was the fifth straight for the Texters after opening the conference with a loss.
Import Malcolm White led GlobalPort with 21 points and 16 boards, but committed eight turnovers as the Batang Pier absorbed their fifth loss in six games.
Terrence Romeo added 20 points despite a dismal 8-of-20 shooting. He also collected five boards and four assists.
Phoenix 94, Alaska 86
Import Jameel McKay exploded for 42 points while RJ Jazul and Cyrus Baguio exacted vengeance on their former team for trading them as the trio led the Phoenix Fuel Masters to victory over the depleted Alaska Aces, 94-86.
The energetic McKay drilled 16 of 25 shots from the field and added 22 boards before leg cramps sent him to the sidelines with victory virtually assured.
Baguio led Phoenix’s locals with 12 points on top of six rebounds and two assists. Jazul played his first game against his former team, finishing with 10 markers, three rebounds, and two assists.
The Fuel Masters snapped a two-game losing streak and improved to a 3-4 win-loss card. The Aces suffered their second straight loss after winning their first four games.
Alaska played minus its leading player Calvin Abueva, who was still nursing a busted upper lip suffered during a Gilas practice. Aside from Abueva, Alaska continued to miss the services of two injured players—Chris Banchero and Vic Manuel.
Foul-saddled import Cory Jefferson led Alaska with 31 points and 13 rebounds.
JVee Casio was the lone Alaska local who scored in double digits with 14 points.
Games Saturday: Blackwater Elite (1-5) vs. Star Hotshots (4-2) and San Miguel Beermen (4-0) vs. Rain or Shine Elasto Painters (4-2).
