Kevin Murphy and Robert Bolick formed a solid 1-2 punch down the stretch to bail out NorthPort past a desperate Blackwater, 110-104, for their first win streak in the PBA Governors’ Cup, Saturday at the SMART Araneta Coliseum.
The seasoned import nailed the go-ahead bucket for the 102-100 lead with 1:22 left then pushed their lead to two possessions moments later, before their main man dealt the final blows to send the opposition to their eighth straight loss.
Murphy finished with PBA career-highs of 47 points, 16 rebounds, and four steals, while Bolick wound up with 24 markers, seven boards, and six dimes as the Batang Pier continued their turnaround after six losses to start the tourney.
“This is only our second win but we’re happy that we’re going up. It’s all about familiarity siguro sa isa’t isa at adjustments sa game plans. Sana pataas pa,” said interim head coach Bonnie Tan as his wards remained in the playoff hunt.
Rookie JM Calma continued his solid play as well with 10 points and five rebounds in the win that saw the crew climb back from as much as 13 down.
NorthPort will try to stretch its winning streak to three against Magnolia on March 2, Thursday, 6:45 p.m. also at the Big Dome.
Shawn Glover, on the other hand, had 20 points and nine rebounds for Blackwater, who bowed out of contention after losing its eighth straight.
Gab Banal made 19 points off the bench. JVee Casio had 14 points while Mike Ayonayon added 12 markers, seven rebounds, and five assists.
The Bossing have now lost 26 of their last 27 games in the Governors’ Cup dating back to the 2019 edition, per league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
Blackwater (1-9) will also be facing the Hotshots for its final game of the season on March 8, Wednesday, 3 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
The Scores:
NorthPort 110 – Murphy 47, Bolick 24, Calma 10, Tolentino 9, Zamar 6, Sumang 6, Chan 3, Taha 2, Santos 2, Munzon 1, Balagasay 0, Caperal 0.
Blackwater 104 – Glover 20, Banal 19, Casio 14, Ayonayon 12, Taha 9, Ular 8, Suerte 7, Rosario 7, Ilagan 6, Hill 2, Escoto 0, DiGregorio 0, Amer 0.
Quarterscores: 25-21, 49-58, 74-78, 110-104
