MANILA — Determined not to suffer another collapse, GlobalPort held off Meralco from completing a spirited comeback to win 97-89 and end a two-game slide in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Friday.

Terrence Romeo once again led the way for GlobalPort with 27 points, to go with his five rebounds and five assists and helped to crush the Bolts’ fourth quarter uprising.

Nino Canaleta added 13 markers, while Mike Cortez and Billy Mamaril each had 12.

“We needed that win,” said coach Franz Pumaren. “(We had a) bad experience last game, we were ahead and weren’t able to keep our composure.”

Pumaren was referring to the Batang Pier 101-99 defeat to Phoenix last December 28, despite a 26-point lead.

“This time around, the players didn’t rush and they didn’t panic, they stuck to the game plan, played within system not like our last game.”

GlobalPort was up 51-41 after two quarters but Meralco, was able to pull within 72-71 by the end of the third on Jonathan Grey’s lead.

Chris Newsome's dunk tied the game at 74-all early in the fourth, but GlobalPort recovered its bearings and zoomed ahead to its fourth win in seven games.

The Batang Pier are now in a three-team logjam at fourth with a 4-3 record together with Blackwater and Phoenix.

“In these crucial stages of the tournament, I wish we could sustain the run,” said Pumaren.

GlobalPort's win extended Meralco's woes as the Bolts fell to their fourth straight defeat. Meralco now has a 2-5 win-loss record.

Reynel Hugnatan finished with 23 points for Meralco.

The scores:

GLOBALPORT 97 — Romeo 27, Canaleta 13, Mamaril 12, Cortez 12, Quinahan 11, Pringle 9, Aban 9, Mierhofer 2, Paredes 2, Banal 0, Urbiztondo 0, Pessumal 0.

MERALCO 89 — Hugnatan 23, Grey 18, Newsome 16, Hodge 12, Daquioag 12, Buenafe 3, Faundo 2, Caram 2, Amer 1, Uyloan 0, Nabong 0, Ferriols 0.

Quarters: 26-19, 51-41, 72-71, 97-89

(For more sports coverage, visit the ABS-CBN Sports website.)