Warner warmps up in 4th as B Pier bounce back

MANILA, Philippines -- Globalport import replacement Calvin Warner, struggling for only nine points in the first three quarters, hit timely baskets in the final period as the Batang Pier drubbed the Barako Bull Energy, 99-81, to get back on track and back at .500 mark in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.

Warner, using court savvy to make up for his lack of size, tossed in 14 points in the payoff period, helping spark their breakaway from a 66-62 lead at the start of the fourth quarter en route to their third win against the same number of losses for sixth place.

Barako Bull moved down to joint fourth place with Rain or Shine at 3-2 following a second straight loss.

“Being a veteran import, Warner helps us with his maturity,” said Globalport coach Eric Gonzales.

“That’s our stand (in enlisting him in lieu of CJ Leslie). We’re after his inside presence and maturity that we hope help our team mature,” Gonzales added.

No way he could match seven-foot Sol Alabi’s hulking 37-point and 28-rebound game, but Warner put in enough effort and energy that inspired his teammates to bounce back from an 84-86 loss to the Meralco Bolts the last time out.

Warner, standing just at 6-foot-5, collected 23 points, 20 rebounds, four assists, four steals and three blocks, Terrence Romeo delivered a team-high 24 points while Stanley Pringle and Mark Isip added 14 apiece.

Wingmen Ronjay Buenafe and Keith Jensen had their contributions for the Batang Pier in the game that was actually close but ended as a rout after the Energy went on a fouling spree and thus gave away several charities in the closing minute.

The Energy started stronger, taking the first quarter at 27-17 before the Batang Pier got into the groove and dragged Barako to a battle through the next 24 minutes of play.

At 66-62, Warner made two straight baskets underneath, touching off a decisive attack that had Globalport erecting a 12-point lead at 85-73.

“The loss to Meralco the last time was a big lesson not just to the players but the coaching staff. We have to finish well and not just start strong,” said Gonzales of the match that they lost on a last-second shot by Bolts import Josh Davis.

It was Warner’s debut game in the local pro league where he made 24 points. Warner went 9 of 15 from the field for 23 points in his second PBA game.