A massive first-half reversal enabled NorthPort to deal NLEX a harsh 114-87 blowout for a victorious start to its PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup campaign on Thursday night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Batang Pier put together a 31-point turnaround within the game’s first 24 minutes, overcoming a 9-25 deficit first before erupting for 35 points in the second chapter to build a 56-41 lead entering the halftime intermission.
Coach Bonnie Tan’s wards would be in cruise control afterward, accomplishing as much despite the absence of Jio Jalalon and Paul Zamar to injuries.
“It’s all credit to the players,” said assistant coach Rensy Bajar post-game. “Nasunod ‘yung game plan ni Coach Bonnie kaya nakahabol kami.”
Arvin Tolentino overcame a minor injury early in the game and went on to finish with 29 points on 10-of-17 shooting from the field to lead NorthPort.
Kadeem Jack, a last-minute replacement for original import Kavell Bigby-Williams, made a good account of himself with 25 points, six rebounds, three assists, and two steals without a turnover in 30 minutes of play.
Allyn Bulanadi made 14 points, spiked by a pair of treys, while Joshua Munzon added 12 markers and three dimes for the Batang Pier.
Evan Nelle was scoreless but did a solid job running the one for the depleted backcourt as he tallied seven rebounds, eight assists, and two steals.
NorthPort shot 50-percent from the field and that’s big thanks to the way the crew shared the ball, finishing with a total of 23 assists.
But as efficient as their offense was, defense did wonders in the triumph, as seen by the way they held Robert Bolick to only three points on 11 shots.
Mike Watkins took the scoring load for the Road Warriors instead with 29 points and 19 rebounds with four assists. Ritchie Rodger had 11 points while Javee Mocon and Tony Semerad each provided 10 points in the defeat.
Both teams will play again this Saturday at the Ynares Center in Antipolo. NLEX is set to open the double-header affair with a meeting against Blackwater at 5:00 p.m., while NorthPort takes on Terrafirma at 7:30 p.m.
The Scores:
NorthPort 114 – Tolentino 29, Jack 25, Bulanadi 14, Munzon 12, Yu 8, Navarro 7, Miranda 5, Onwubere 4, Cuntapay 4, Taha 2, Flores 2, Tratter 2, Nelle 0.
NLEX 87 – Watkins 29, Rodger 11, Mocon 10, Semerad 10, Amer 6, Torres 6, Bolick 3, Nieto 3, Nermal 3, Policarpio 2, Valdez 2, Herndon 2, Marcelo 0, Fajardo 0.
Quarterscores: 21-29, 56-41, 91-67, 114-87.
