PBA: Semifinals loss still a valuable experience for Terrence Romeo, GlobalPort

GlobalPort avoided a sweep against top seed Alaska by winning Game One of their semifinals series, but they got soundly beaten in the next four games to end their campaign in the Smart-Bro Philippine Cup.

Still, reaching the final four for the first time in franchise history is already a huge milestone for the Batang Pier, who survived a knockout game against a higher-seeded Barangay Ginebra in the quarterfinals.

"Di namin napuntahan 'yung gusto naming ma-accomplish pero masaya pa rin kami dahil sa narating ng team," said star guard Terrence Romeo. "At least, nagawa namin 'yung best makapasok ng semis at marami kaming natutunan."

Romeo said the playoff experience will be valuable for the young team, especially as they played five games against one of the most disciplined defensive teams in the league.

"Alaska 'yung pinakamagaling mag-scout ng defense at napaka-organized," he said. "At least, 'yung mga natutunan namin, di basta matututunan kung di mo mararating 'yung semis."

GlobalPort averaged 101.6 points in the elimination round as one of the most explosive teams in the PBA, but Alaska limited them to 87.6 points in the whole series and an even lower 82.8 points in their four losses.

Romeo said the Batang Pier had a hard time adjusting to the every-other-day grind of the semifinals, especially as the Aces applied varying defensive patterns each game.

He said, however, that he is happy for the whole team and coaching staff for taking themselves deep into the playoffs.

"As a team, nagsama-sama kami, nabuo at dumaan sa butas ng karayom bago pumasok sa semis," he said. "Tingin ko ito 'yung stepping stone namin para mas gumanda 'yung chemistry at maging solid kami lalo." - RAF, GMA News