Batang Pier thump Elite on Warner show

MANILA, Philippines - Calvin Warner, an import playing bigger than his size, dominated the boards for a franchise-best and league season-high 30 rebounds while Globalport’s backcourt provided the scoring sock as the Batang Pier demolished the Blackwater Elite, 101-78, to stay among the frontrunners in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

Though at least five inches shorter than Blackwater import Marcus Douthit, the 6-foot-5 Warner more than held his own, collecting 23 defensive caroms and seven from the offensive board in a dominant rebounding that propelled the Batang Pier to their first back-to-back wins. Globalport also went above the .500 mark with a 4-3 win-loss record.

The whole Globalport team also snared down a franchise-record and league-season-high 74 rebounds as against Blackwater’s 45 as the Batang Pier fashioned out another emphatic victory following a 99-81 rout of the Barako Bull Energy Wednesday.

Later in the night, Barangay Ginebra, boosted by the scrappy plays of third-string guard Emman Monfort, topped Purefoods Star, 96-87, to move up to sixth place at 3-3.

Making a rare start, Monfort responded to the challenge, coming through with solid all-around numbers of nine points, seven rebounds, five assists and three steals to help the Kings back on track while sending the Hotshots reeling to a third straight loss.

“I have to give it to the guys. They did a good job especially on defense and they’re able to execute our plays. Emman deserved special mention,” said Ginebra coach Ato Agustin.