NorthPort kept Converge winless, 111-95, to post back-to-back wins in the PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup, Wednesday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig.
Venky Jois came through with a monster outing of 39 points and 21 rebounds with six assists to lead the Batang Pier, who seized control of the game in the second period before finishing strong en route to chalking up win no. 4.
“Just happy with my players,” said head coach Bonnie Tan. “Ang objective namin is to outwork ‘yung Converge. As a team, we were able to do that.”
Arvin Tolentino delivered 18 points. Cade Flores had his own double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds, while Joshua Munzon added 12.
Fran Yu chipped in 11 markers, including two key three-pointers that helped NorthPort break a 69-all deadlock and take the 83-75 lead entering the fourth quarter as they remained ahead all the way to the final buzzer.
Now they will look to make it three in a row against a hot San Miguel Beer (3-1) on Friday, December 8, 8 p.m. still at Philsports.
NorthPort also spoiled the debut of opposing import Jamil Wilson, whom the FiberXers brought in just recently to replace Tom Vodanovich.
The former NBA cager finished with 30 points on 24 shots and 13 rebounds but his efforts weren’t enough to end his side’s winless spell.
Converge absorbed its sixth loss in as many outings, remaining as the only team without a victory in the ongoing tournament.
Interestingly, the last time a team went 0-6 to start a conference was NorthPort in last season’s Governors’ Cup, per PBA stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
Mike Nieto was the sole backup of Wilson as he produced 16 points, including 11 in the first quarter alone, and six rebounds.
The FiberXers will look to end their luckless run against a skidding Terrafirma (2-4) next Wednesday, December 13, 4 p.m. at the Philsports Arena.
The Scores:
NorthPort 111 – Jois 39, Tolentino 18, Flores 13, Munzon 12, Yu 8, Calma 6, Chan 6, Paraiso 4, Amores 2, Taha 0, Salado 0, Caperal 0.
Converge 95 – Wilson 30, Nieto 16, Stockton 9, Ambohot 8, Racal 8, Arana 7, Winston 6, Balanza 5, Delos Santos 4, Santos 2, Wong 0, Maagdenberg 0, Melecio 0.
Quarterscores: 27-27, 58-48, 83-75, 111-95.
