GlobalPort import Malcolm White was glad to make up for his struggles dealing with back spasms in a loss over the weekend and provide a significant impact in the Batang Pier's much-needed victory over the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday.
White finished with 20 points, 14 rebounds, four assists and four blocks to play one of the key roles in the 116-94 rout of NLEX to raise GlobalPort's record in the PBA Commissioner's Cup to three wins and two losses.
His performance came after hurting his back on the eve of the Batang Pier's 92-87 defeat to the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok last Saturday in Angeles City, Pampanga.
"I was not myself in that game," White said. "I still tried to come out and give my best effort in that game but we ended up losing the game. I told myself I had to bounce back and try to recover for this game."
Though White still got his numbers against Magnolia with 17 points and 14 rebounds, Batang Pier coach Pido Jarencio felt the injury limited his import's presence against the likes of Vernon Macklin and Ian Sangalang down low.
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But Jarencio was pleased with what he saw from White, who is in his second stint as GlobalPort import.
"Di siya masyadong makakilos against Magnolia pero ngayon, medyo nakafocus talaga siya to help the team. At the same time, lahat nagtulong-tulong naman," Jarencio said.
White is hopeful the win over the struggling Road Warriors can help the Batang Pier gain some momentum as they head to their final game before the All-Star break against the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters on Sunday.
"We just gotta keep playing, believe in ourselves and trust in coach's system," he said.(JT)
