NORTHPORT proved it’s not just a one-man show, banking on a collective effort to hold off Phoenix, 124-120, for back-to-back wins in the PBA Philippine Cup on Friday night at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Cade Flores and Zavier Lucero led seven Batang Pier players in double-figure scoring to make up for star Arvin Tolentino being held to 15 points on just 10 attempts after coming in averaging a conference-leading 32 points in their first two games.
Still, Tolentino scored four of his total output late when the Batang Pier weathered a late storm by the Fuel Masters to improve to a 2-1 win-loss record and gain a share of third spot with NLEX.
NorthPort also gave Phoenix a rude welcome in its conference debut after the Fuel Masters were coming off a semifinal appearance in the Commissioner’s Cup.
“Like what I’ve said to my players, it’s not about starting the game, it’s about how we finish the game,” Batang Pier coach Bonnie Tan said. “The second unit is a very crucial unit for our very young team that’s still looking for its identity.”
After all, the Batang Pier gave up a lead as many as 14 points and a 13-point advantage, 106-93, after a Lucero triple with a little over seven minutes left in the game.
Phoenix went on a 20-7 run capped by a Javee Mocon layup to tie the game at 113 with 3:16 remaining.
NorthPort stops Phoenix rally
But the Batang Pier restored order behind their young guns as Fran Yu, Lucero, and Tolentino took turns in keeping the Fuel Masters at bay.
Flores finished with a season-high 21 points after making all but one of his nine shots, on top of collecting 12 boards and two assists, before fouling out after over 28 minutes of play off the bench.
Lucero added 18 points, built around three treys, alongside four assists, two blocks, one assist, and one steal in over 34 minutes of play, while Yu chipped in 13 points, six assists, and four steals.
Munzon leads NorthPort with 17 points
Joshua Munzon set the tone for the Batang Pier and finished with 17 points, while veterans Jeff Chan and Paul Zamar contributed 17 and 11 points, respectively.
Jason Perkins led the Fuel Masters’ late comeback and wound up with 28 points along with seven rebounds, and two assists in a losing cause, while Tyler Tio added 19 points and four assists before going out with what looked like a sprained ankle in the fourth quarter.
The scores:
NORTHPORT 124 – Flores 21, Lucero 18, Chan 17, Munzon 17, Tolentino 15, Yu 13, Zamar 11, Bulanadi 6, Calma 2, Rosales 2, Paraiso 2, Taha 0, Amores 0, Cuntapay 0, Adamos 0
PHOENIX 120 – Perkins 28, Tio 19, Jazul 15, Rivero 13, Tuffin 11, Manganti 9, Mocon 8, Soyud 4, Daves 4, Alejandro 3, Muyang 2, Garcia 2, Camacho 2, Lalata 0, Verano 0
Quarterscores: 35-25, 61-52, 90-80, 124-120
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