NorthPort returned to action with a bang by decimating Blackwater, 98-73, in the 2021 Honda PBA Philippine Cup Thursday at the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
Out of last week’s slate after being placed under health and safety protocols, the Batang Pier exploded for 30 points in the third quarter to turn a close match-up to a one-sided affair in their favor all the way to the final buzzer.
The victory, which improved their record to 2-3, was also a fitting birthday gift for team manager Bonnie Tan. He is serving as the team’s interim head coach as chief mentor Pido Jarencio and his staff are still clearing quarantine.
“We dedicate this game para sa mga coaches namin na nagtatrabaho kahit na naka-quarantine sila. Get well soon, coaches,” said Tan.
Robert Bolick flirted with a triple-double to lead NorthPort with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Rookie Jamie Malonzo also finished with 17 points alongside 12 rebounds for his first double-double.
Kevin Ferrer supplied 14 points. Greg Slaughter chimed in 12 markers and 11 boards, the first time in the tilt that three players had a double-double each in a game, according to league stats chief Fidel Mangonon III.
The aforementioned players, together with usual providers Sean Anthony, Paolo Taha, and Sidney Onwubere, were key in that big third quarter, where they outscored their foes 25-8 for a 75-49 lead with 1:18 on the clock.
The Batang Pier went on to lead by as much as 33 points, 95-62, as Garvo Lanete sank all three of his free throws with 3:15 left to play.
“Give credit to our captain balls, mga leaders natin Sean Anthony and Kevin Ferrer who took charge in behalf of mga coaches. And pati sina Robert Bolick, mga senior namin, and sina Greg na matured na,” Tan said.
“Actually ang mga coaches ko, sila pa rin ang nag-coach ngayon. Coach Pido, mga coaches natin, sina Rensy [Bajar] and Jeff Napa, did a good job … ‘yung mga scouting reports nila nasunod,” he furthered.
Meanwhile, Frank Golla had 14 points and seven rebounds to lead Blackwater, who remained winless after eight games.
Both teams will see action again on Saturday, September 11. NorthPort aims to make it two in a row versus Terrafirma (3-5) at 2:00 p.m., while Blackwater hopes to end its struggles versus Phoenix (3-5) at 4:35 p.m.
The Scores:
Northport 98 — Malonzo 17, Bolick 17, Ferrer 14, Slaughter 12, Anthony 9, Lanete 9, Onwubere 8, Taha 7, Balanza 2, Grey 2, Faundo 1, Subido 0, Doliguez 0, Elorde 0.
Blackwater 73 — Golla 14, Escoto 10, Cruz 9, Enciso 8, Desiderio 8, Daquioag 7, Torralba 7, Magat 5, Tolomia 5, Paras 0, Dennison 0, Canaleta 0.
Quarterscores: 25-20, 45-40, 75-53, 98-73
