MANILA – NorthPort Batang Pier bucked the absence of import Venkatesha Jois to wallop San Miguel Beermen, 115-101, in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.
Arvin Tolentino led the way with 28 points, including three triples, while Joshua Munzon and rookie Cade Flores added 16 and 15 markers, respectively, as the Batang Pier improved to 5-2 record.
Rookie Brent Paraiso and John Michael Calma chipped in 11 markers apiece, while Negrense Jeffrei Chan ended with 10 points for NorthPort, which played without an import as Jois suffered a hamstring injury.
After seeing their early double-digit lead cut to 73-74 midway in the third quarter, the Batang Pier got conversions from Yu, Flores, Tolentino and John Amores to increase the lead to 92-77.
The Beermen attempted to come close in the fourth quarter at 86-96, but connections from Tolentino, Calma and Paraiso widened the lead to 113-87 with over a minute remaining.
Ivan Aska top-scored with 26 points, Moala Tautuaa, Marcio Lassiter, and Jaymar Perez added 18, 16, and 11 markers, respectively, while Ilonggo Jericho Cruz and Chris Ross ended with 10 each as the Beermen dropped to 3-2.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine Elasto Painters secured its second straight win after a 113-101 victory over NLEX Road Warriors. The Painters improved to 2-5, while the Road Warriors dropped to 2-6.
Down 57-68 early in the third quarter, the Painters leaned on the exploits of Andrei Caracut in the said quarter along with connections from Beau Belga and Demetrius Treadwell to force a deadlock at 84-all.
The Painters continued its run in the fourth quarter with Keith Datu connecting three outside shots as the lead reached as high as 106-91 with over three minutes remaining in the contest.
Treadwell posted a double-double of 23 points and 18 rebounds, Beau Belga added 14 markers, Andrei Caracut and Rey Nambatac chipped in 12 markers apiece, while Datu tallied 11 markers, including three triples, for the Painters./PN
BOX SCORE:
NORTHPORT 115 – Tolentino 28, Munzon 16, Flores 15, Paraiso 11, Calma 11, Chan 10, Caperal 8, Yu 8, Amores 6, Taha 2, Ayaay 0, Balagasay 0, Salado 0.
SAN MIGUEL 101 – Aska 26, Tautuaa 18, Lassiter 16, Perez 11, Ross 10, Cruz 10, Brondial 8, Mallilin 2, Bulanadi 0.
Quarterscores: 29-22, 55-48, 92-77, 115-101.
