NORTHPORT found an unlikely hero in Paolo Taha to nip Barangay Ginebra, 98-96, on Sunday and secure a place in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Taha came off the bench and made two big plays down the stretch as the Batang Pier picked up their second straight win - and fifth in 11 games in the eliminations.
Michael Qualls led the way with 30 points and 13 rebounds for NorthPort, which endured the season-ending injury to rookie sensation Robert Bolick and import changes to reach the playoffs.
The Gin Kings slipped to 7-4 and failed to clinch the third seed. Ginebra's loss was actually tougher on Rain or Shine, which fell out of quarterfinal contention even after a win over Meralco in the day's opening game.
“A win is a win. One point, two points, three points, basta kami, blessing nanalo tayo. At least, we are in the quarters. We’ll be ready against the twice-to-beat team,” said NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio.
“I give it to the players. Gusto nila eh. Sabi ko sa kanila, may practice pa tayo Tuesday ha. Off tayo tomorrow. Sabi nila, okay daw,” he said.
The Batang Pier broke an 87-87 deadlock with a 10-5 run that saw Qualls score one basket and et up Taha for a layup. Christian Standhardinger nailed a jumper to make it a 97-92 NorthPort lead.
Up by one, NorthPort survived after Justin Brownlee missed a jumper and Japeth Aguilar missed a tip-in. Taha made one of two free throws, and Jeff Chan failed to convert on a desperate heave from three to end the game.
Sean Anthony produced 18 points and Standhardinger had 17 points and 11 rebounds for NorthPort.
Brownlee had 31 points for Ginebra, which saw its two-game winning streak end. The Gin Kings are now in danger of going down to No. 4 seed depending on the result of the final game of the elimination round between TNT and San Miguel.
The scores:
NorthPort 98 – Qualls 30, Anthony 18, Standhardinger 17, Ferrer 11, Taha 7, Cruz 6, Lanete 5, Mercado 2, Elorde 2, King 0.
Ginebra 96 – Brownlee 31, Pringle 18, Tenorio 15, J. Aguilar 14, Thompson 7, Chan 4, Dela Cruz 4, Devance 3, Caperal 0, Mariano 0.
Quarterscores: 20-29; 51-52; 75-73; 98-96.
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