MANILA: Superstar Globalport point guard Terrence Romeo was under the weather on Sunday night, but was strong enough to become a major difference when it mattered that he left Barako Bull feeling bad afterwards.

Being able to rejoin the Batang Pier in practice just the day before the game, Romeo tossed in eight points in overtime and led Globalport to its second straight PBA Philippine Cup win, a 105-91 overtime decision of the Energy at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

Romeo’s minutes was managed very well by coach Pido Jarencio, but the 5-foot-11 spitfire still went on to lead all Globalport shooters with 21 coming off the bench very late in the first period.

“Terrence is really such a gifted kid,” Jarencio told reporters in Filipino, in obvious praise of the former Far Eastern Tamaraw in the UAAP who was an international sensation for Gilas Pilipinas in the Jones Cup and Fiba Asia jousts.

“And you can really see how he wants to win,” Jarencio added. “The kid just refuses to lose. He had the flu just two days ago and played through it tonight to help us win.”

Another point guard that helped the Batang Pier pull through was Stanley Pringle, last season’s top rookie who tossed in 19 points that went with a career-high 17 rebounds.

There were also three others who finished in twin digits for Jarencio, whose wards rose to 2-1 while dealing the Energy their second loss in three outings.

JC Intal, the Barako Bull swingman, hit a medium range jumpshot under immense pressure from Keith Jensen to necessitate overtime at 85-all.

Things, though, turned sour for the Energy after they took an 87-85 lead at the start of the extra five minutes after a Willie Wilson short stab.

Romeo instigated the Batang Pier’s 20-4 finishing kick, giving Globalport the win pulling away.

Pringle also issued five assists, continuing to show that he can hold the Batang Pier together even if he gives the scoring reins to backcourt-mate Romeo.

Meanwhile, crowd-darling Barangay Ginebra finally broke through on Saturday evening after pulling out a 93-92 decision of Alaska in a well-attended game at the Al Wasl Sports Club in Dubai.

The Gin Kings snapped a two-game losing streak and snapped the Aces’ run at three, giving idle Rain or Shine the solo lead with the Elasto Painters holding a 3-0 card.

Alaska thus split its two games in the oil-rich emirate after the Aces had nipped Mahindra, 98-94.

In a related development, an article published in Gulf News showed how local media there were infuriated when Manny Pacquiao, the eight-division world boxing champion, did not show up for the post-game press conference of the Mahindra loss on Friday night.

Newly-minted commissioner Chito Narvasa, who told media that Pacquiao wasn’t feeling well to attend the press conference, also talked at length when asked about the boxer’s involvement in basketball in general and the PBA in particular.

Narvasa didn’t exactly have kind words for the Mahindra playing-coach.

“You have to understand that Mr. Pacquiao is a personality in himself, he has many engagements, and first of all, he is not a basketball player, he is a boxer,” Narvasa was quoted by reporter Ashley Hammonds as saying.

“Apparently his interest in basketball led him to the PBA and whatever time he has given, he has managed very well with the PBA, so I think that recognition should also be given to him,” Narvasa went on.

“Again, his many responsibilities, not only as a sports icon but also a lawmaker,” – he added in reference to Pacquiao the boxer and congressman – “prevent him going full-time into one activity, and the PBA understands the situation, but hopefully, eventually, he will be able to find out what he should be concentrating on very soon.”

“To me as a commissioner, there are pros and cons: First of all he brings a lot of variety, Manny is a sports icon in himself and whether he goes into the PBA or not he will draw crowds, but the whole concentration of the PBA has to be basketball excellence.

“That’s where I put myself in. I have to look at the interests of the PBA in (a player) excelling in basketball,” Narvasa continued.

“If him (Pacquiao) coming into the team helps Mahindra do that, then of course we have to show him support, and if it does not, then I think it could also be detrimental in the long term.”