If there is one man who could be called the leader of NorthPort Batang Pier’s fourth quarter surge versus the Columbian Dyip that led to their maiden win in the 2018 PBA Governors’ Cup, look no further than Mo Tautuaa.
When his team was down three heading into the final quarter, the 6-foot-8 slotman provided the spark, feasting inside the paint for seven straight points to give the Batang Pier a 93-89 advantage with 10:03 remaining.
His fiery hands rubbed off on his teammates, as the Batang Pier went on a rampage that saw them overwhelm the opposition with a 30-5 scoring blitz, which gave NorthPort a 116-94 lead with two minutes left in the game.
That run was all that they needed en route to an 118-101 win.
Tautuaa, a six-year pro, finished the game with import-like numbers of 26 points on 10-of-16 shooting along with 10 rebounds, three assists, and a block in 29 minutes of action. Moreover, he had the best efficiency rating with plus-20.
Given that, it’s automatic that he will earn the praises of his team, particularly Batang Pier head coach Pido Jarencio.
“Mo Tautuaa, ‘di nila na-stop inside,” said the veteran bench strategist, who spent time with Tautuaa for two conferences now after the Batang Pier acquired the Fil-Am cager from the TNT KaTropa for Terrence Romeo.
For Jarencio, Tautuaa is the best compliment NorthPort have for their perimeter shooting, as his inside presence made it a long night for Dyip.
“We were running, we were making our shots outside. Mo dominating inside. Yun ang name of the game – inside and outside – and limit yung turnovers,” said the UST product.
“”Di na rin lang kami na-istop.”
