The NorthPort Batang Pier sustained their hot streak in the PBA Philippine Cup after taking down the skidding NLEX Road Warriors, 96-94, in the PBA Philippine Cup at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga on Sunday, September 12.
Robert Bolick showed no signs of fatigue despite playing back-to-back games as he put up a game-high 26 points on 10-of-20 shooting for the Batang Pier, who remained undefeated in the league’s resumption in Pampanga and climbed to 4-3 in the standings.
Leading by only 3 points, 48-45, at halftime, the Batang Pier shifted into high gear in the second half and built a 16-point advantage, 65-49, midway through the third period.
The Road Warriors managed to trim the lead back to just 4, 67-63, with two minutes left in the third quarter, but the Batang Pier went on another scorching run early in the final frame to put the lead back up to 15, 85-70.
NLEX still kept within striking distance, cutting the deficit again to just 4, 95-91, with 50 seconds remaining.
However, the lead that NorthPort built was simply too much for the Road Warriors to conquer late in the game.
Sean Anthony and Paolo Taha added 14 points apiece, while rookie Jamie Malonzo had 13 points, 14 rebounds, and 5 assists for NorthPort, which missed the services of star big man Greg Slaughter in the victory.
Slaughter sat out due to a pain in his hip, team officials said.
Don Trollano finished with 19 points, while Kevin Alas chipped in 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists for NLEX, which suffered its third straight loss and dropped to 4-5 in the standings – tied with the Phoenix Fuel Masters.
The Scores
NorthPort 96 – Bolick 26, Anthony 14, Taha 14, Malonzo 13, Onwubere 9, Ferrer 8, Lanete 5, Grey 5, Elorde 2, Rike 0, Balanza 0.
NLEX 94 – Trollano 19, Alas 13, Cruz 10, Porter 10, Semerad 10, Oftana 8, Miranda 7, Paniamogan 5, Soyud 4, Ighalo 3, Mcaloney 3, Ayonayon 2.
Quarters: 29-26, 48-45, 73-65, 96-94.
– Rappler.com
There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.