MANILA – NorthPort Batang Pier survived a late NLEX Road Warriors rampage for a 96-94 escape in the 2021 Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) Philippine Cup on Sunday evening at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.
The Batang Pier appeared to be heading for victory as they built a 93-79 lead with more than four minutes remaining, but the Road Warriors rallied to score 91-95 behind Kevin Alas and Celedonio Trollano.
NLEX had a chance to close the gap, but NorthPort tightened its defense, forcing Alas, Anthony Semerad, and rookie Calvin Oftana to miss their shots in the final minute.
The Batang Pier then put the final nail in the coffin when Ilonggo Juan Paolo Taha converted a free throw with 16 seconds left to surge the lead to 96-91 before Alas hit a late three-pointer for the final score.
Robert Bolick Jr. spearheaded the Batang Pier with a career-high 26 points, spiked by three outside shots, while Taha and Sean Anthony each added 14 points as the Batang Pier moved up to 4-3.
Jamie Malonzo recorded a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds for NorthPort, while Sidney Onwubere and Kevin Ferrer chipped in with nine and eight points, respectively.
“Gusto talaga naming manalo as many games as possible para sa coaches namin,” said Bolick pertaining to the Batang Pier coaching staff who were still under quarantine due to coronavirus disease 2019.
Trollano led the way with 19 points; Alas dropped 13 points, while Jericho Cruz, Kris Porter, and Semerad tallied 10 points each as the Road Warriors fell to 4-5 following their third consecutive loss.
Meanwhile, PBA Commissioner’s Office fined Batang Pier center Gregory Slaughter P20,000 for his flagrant foul penalty two against Terrafirma Dyip’s Roosevelt Adams last Saturday.
“Kapag tumawatag ng (flagrant two) ang mga referees, sinisigurado talagang flagrant two ‘yun,” said PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial. “Pwedeng mag-appeal si Greg, but the punishment will still stay.”
BOX SCORE:
NORTHPORT 96 – Bolick 26, Taha 14, Anthony 14, Malonzo 13, Onwubere 9, Ferrer 8, Lanete 5, Grey 5, Elorde 2, Balanza 0, Rike 0.
NLEX 94 – Trollano 19, Alas 13, Cruz 10, Semerad 10, Porter 10, Oftana 8, Miranda 7, Semerad 5, Paniamogan 5, Soyud 4, Ighalo 3, McAloney 3, Ayonayon 2.
QUARTERSCORES:
29-26; 48-45; 73-65; 96-94./PN
