MANILA, Philippines – NorthPort claimed a piece of the lead after sending San Miguel crashing back to earth with a 121-88 blowout in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, June 5.

Riding high on a historic fifth straight Philippine Cup crown, the Beermen were given a dose of reality in their conference debut as the Batang Pier rebounded from a loss in dominant fashion. 

NorthPort and Blackwater are currently tied atop the team standings with identical 4-1 records. 

Robert Bolick finished with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals, while 6 other teammates breached double figures in the win that saw the Batang Pier turn back the Beermen with a strong showing in the middle quarters.

It was a nip-and-tuck battle after the maiden quarter ended in 25-25 deadlock before NorthPort outscored San Miguel by 28 points in the middle frames to enter the payoff period up 91-63. 

Import Prince Ibeh had 18 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 steals, Jonathan Grey delivered 16 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Garvo Lanete added 16 points for the Batang Pier. 

Also making their presence felt in the win were Mo Tautuaa, who put up 11 points and 10 rebounds, Nico Elorde, who chimed in 11 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, and Sean Anthony, who issued 10 points and 12 rebounds. 

It was a rough night for the Beermen, who missed stars Chris Ross and Terrence Romeo, as only 4 players scored in twin digits.

Returning import Charles Rhodes submitted 27 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks in the loss, June Mar Fajardo had 19 points and 3 blocks, while Arwind Santos and Von Pessumal each had 11 points. 

The Scores

NorthPort 121 – Bolick 25, Ibeh 18, Lanete 16, Grey 16, Tautuaa 11, Elorde 11, Anthony 10, Taha 9, Flores 3, Gabayni 2.

San Miguel 88 – Rhodes 27, Fajardo 19, Santos 11, Pessumal 11, Standhardinger 6, Cabagnot 5, Zamar 4, Vigil 3, Lassiter 2, Rosser 0, Mamaril 0.

Quarters: 25-25, 54-41, 91-63, 121-88

– Rappler.com