ANTIPOLO CITY, Philippines – NorthPort got off to a sterling start in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup even without star Stanley Pringle after drubbing Alaska, 103-81, at the Ynares Center here on Wednesday, May 22.  

With Pringle needing to recuperate after undergoing operation to remove bone spurs on his foot, the Batang Pier banked on a balanced attack to notch their conference debut and hand the Aces their first loss in two games.

Sean Anthony scorched hot off the bench with 22 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals while import Prince Ibeh chalked up 19 points, 13 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks for NorthPort. 

Mo Tautuaa torched Alaska with all-around numbers of 12 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals while Robert Bolick and Jonathan Grey chipped in 19 and 12 points, respectively. 

The Aces were still within striking distance early in final frame trailing by just 6 points off a Carl Bryan Cruz triple, 69-75, before the Batang Pier unloaded a 28-10 bomb to erect a 24-point lead – their biggest of the game. 

Chris Daniel paced Alaska with 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 3 blocks, but he was limited to just 2 points in the payoff period. 

Simon Enciso and MJ Ayaay were the only two other Aces players to breach double figures with 10 points apiece. 

The Scores

NorthPort 103 – Anthony 22, Bolick 19, Ibeh 19, Grey 13, Tautuaa 12, Taha 9, Elorde 5, Arana 4, Flores 0.

Alaska 81 – Daniels 21, Enciso 10, Ayaay 10, Cruz 9, Casio 8, Baclao 7, Exciminiano 6, Thoss 4, Teng 2, Pascual 2, Racal 2, Galliguez 0, Babilonia 0.

Quarters: 28-21, 51-42, 75-66, 103-81.

– Rappler.com