Returning import Marqus Blakely proved once and for all that he is worthy to be called an import of Purefoods Star Hotshots as they defeated the Globalport Batang Pier with the final score 83-70 and start their PBA Commissioner’s Cup campaign in a winning note.
Marqus Blakely considered as the smallest import in the second conference of the PBA who only stands at 6-foot-5 led his team with 26 points and 19 rebounds including seven blocks as he toppled his counterpart the 6-foo-9 CJ Leslie and the rest of the Batang Pier squad.
According to Purefoods Hotshots head coach Tim Cone, his team came out with a lot of hunger in the defensive end to dictate the game and subdue the Batang Pier’s will to win.
Marqus Blakely also exploded in the end game leading the Hotshots in 10-2 dash to put his team up by 18 points at 83-65, which also includes a highlight reel worthy alley-oop jam off the pass from former Gilas point guard Mark Barroca.
Mark Barroca and Mallora also combined with 21 points for Purefoods, while former FEU standout Terrence Romeo scored 19 points for Globalport who was led by their import CJ Leslie who scored with 25 points and eight rebounds.
Box scores:
PUREFOODS 83—Blakely 26, Barroca 11, Mallari 10, Yap 9, Melton 8, Pingris 6, Devance 6, Maliksi 5, Reavis 2,
GLOBALPORT 70—Leslie 25, Romeo 19, Miranda 10, Pringle 4, Ponferrada 4, Semerad 3, Taha 2, Isip 2, Pinto 1,