PBA: After getting into fight, Semerad bounces back strong for GlobalPort

GlobalPort rookie Anthony Semerad made headlines on Tuesday when he got caught in a tussle with Kia's Chad Alonzo.

 

On Sunday, however, the NCAA Season 90 Finals Most Valuable Player made sure to be on the positive side of the spotlight as he scored 16 points against expansion team Blackwater Elite.

 

"I just wanted to play really hard, to play with heart," said Semerad, who shot an impressive 6-of-7 from the field. "Give everything I can on defense and offense."

 

The former San Beda Red Lion also exerted extra effort in the defensive end, putting enormous pressure in guarding the Blackwater players to help GlobalPort pick up its third win in the conference.

 

"It's a good thing," said the rookie about Batang Pier's second consecutive victory after beating Kia. "I hope we can keep the ball rolling and just get as many wins as we can."

 

Semerad made his professional debut just four days after ending his collegiate career, helping San Beda achieve a five-peat championship in the NCAA.

 

Asked on how he was adjusting to the PBA so far, the Filipino-Australian noted the physicality of the game, which he tasted first-hand during his tussle with Alonzo.

 

"It's definitely much more physical than NCAA," he said. "I just have to keep adjusting to the referees' calls and hopefully good wins to come."

 

Semerad had reportedly undergone an MRI examination after the Kia game, but he said he was already in good condition against Blackwater.

 

"I'm okay now. It was painful, my head, but I'm okay." — RAF/JST, GMA News