Markeith Cummings impresses as GlobalPort opens Governors’ Cup with victory over Air 21

Markeith Cummings scored 37 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in his PBA debut to lead GlobalPort to a rousing 101-94 victory over Air 21 to open the Governors’ Cup on Wednesday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

It was the first victory for the Batang Pier after losing their last 11 games in the Commissioner’s Cup. GlobalPort had not won a game since a victory last February 15 over Barangay Ginebra San Miguel.

With Cummings bringing the energy, GlobalPort took control of the game in the first half, as the Batang Pier opened up a 47-30 lead in the second quarter.

GlobalPort kept the Express at bay for most of the second half, before Wynne Arboleda led a charge that cut the Batang Pier lead to just seven points, 83-76.

But rookie swingman JP Belencion, starting in the place of resting Gilas Pilipinas star Gary David, hit two three-pointers in an 11-2 blast to push the lead back to 16 points, 94-78. Belencion finished with 14 points on four shots from beyond the arc.

Air 21 tried to rally back anew, but Cummings nailed a 360-degree fastbreak dunk to put the nail on the coffin, 100-87, with just 1:08 remaining.

Cummings, who is in his first stint as a professional, was personally recruited by GlobalPort coach Junel Baculi in a scouting trip to the United States.

“He’s young and very hardworking He’s not heralded and didn’t make so much noise, but he gets the job done,” said Baculi.

But the import’s performance, according to the coach, will make him a marked man for other teams.

“I’m sure, other teams have seen him now and will prepare for him,” said Baculi, who was also happy with the contributions of his new additions.

Jay Washington scored 15 points in his first game with the Batang Pier after being acquired from Petron Blaze prior to the start of the conference.

The 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.

Air 21 94 – Graham 31, Canaleta 19, Isip 13, Menor 9, Sharma 8, Arboleda 7, Sena 2, Custodio 2, Cortez 2, Omolon 1, Manuel 0.

Quarters: 24-20, 53-42, 78-68, 101-94

source: http://www.interaksyon.com/interaktv/markeith-cummings-impresses-as-globalport-opens-governors-cup-with-victory-over-air-21