PBA Philippine Cup

Bolick tallies huge triple-double as NorthPort win keeps Ginebra alive

JR Isaga

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Bolick tallies huge triple-double as NorthPort win keeps Ginebra alive

NorthPort stalwart Robert Bolick tries to protect the ball against Alaska's Jvee Casio (left) and Taylor Browne.

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Robert Bolick records his first PBA triple-double as NorthPort nails the No. 5 spot in a win that also propels Ginebra to a playoff for the last quarterfinal seat

The NorthPort Batang Pier capped off their 2021 PBA Philippine Cup elimination round on a high note with a 122-94 blowout over the also-ran Alaska Aces at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga on Thursday, September 23.

With the win, the Batang Pier officially clinched the fifth seed for a best-of-three quarterfinals series against the powerhouse San Miguel Beermen. Meanwhile, the Aces dropped down to 11th place with a 3-8 slate, just above the 0-11 Blackwater Bossing.

As a side effect of Alaska’s loss, defending champion Barangay Ginebra (4-7) stayed alive in their bleak title defense campaign, and are now set for an eighth seed playoff against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters (4-7) on Saturday, September 25.

NorthPort star guard Robert Bolick recorded his first PBA triple-double in just the first 24 of his 34 total minutes on the court, and ultimately finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists on 6-of-13 shooting.

Meanwhile, his rookie partner-in-crime Jamie Malonzo made up for Greg Slaughter’s absence in the front court, and likewise stuffed the stat sheet with 21 markers, 6 boards, 4 dimes, and 2 blocks on a 7-of-13 clip.

Off a manageable 38-46 deficit halfway through the second quarter, the Aces gradually lost control of the game as NorthPort wrapped up the first half with a 15-5 run for the 61-43 gap.

It was then smooth sailing for the Batang Pier in the latter two frames as they peaked with a 29-point lead, 120-91, off a Renzo Subido triple with 1:52 left in regulation.

“We’re building a winning culture in the team. Greg and Sean (Anthony), they already rested for the playoffs,” said NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio in the postgame presser.

“This is good momentum for us. At least we’re coming off a win. We’re gonna carry it into the playoffs against the mighty San Miguel team. We all know that’s a champion team.”

Jeron Teng capped off Alaska’s forgettable conference run with team-highs of 18 points and 3 steals to go with 6 rebounds, while Abu Tratter and Mike DiGregorio chipped in 13 markers apiece.

The Scores

NorthPort 122 – Bolick 22, Malonzo 21, Taha 18, Onwubere 13, Rike 12, Ferrer 7, Doliguez 7, Balanza 6, Subido 5, Elorde 5, Grey 4, Faundo 2, Lanete 0.

Alaska 94 – Teng 18, Tratter 13, Digregorio 13, Adamos 10, Casio 9, Banal 7, Brondial 5, Browne 5, Stockton 4, Marcelino 4, Ilagan 3, Ebona 3, Publico 0.

Quarters: 28-20, 61-43, 94-78, 122-94.

– Rappler.com

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