PBA: NorthPort flexes deep bench in drubbing of Phoenix

ADVERTISEMENT

dpo-dps-seal
Welcome, Kapamilya! We use cookies to improve your browsing experience. Continuing to use this site means you agree to our use of cookies. Tell me more!

PBA: NorthPort flexes deep bench in drubbing of Phoenix

Kennedy Caacbay,

ABS-CBN News

Clipboard

MANILA  A balanced attack from coach Bonnie Tan's troops propelled NorthPort to victory over Phoenix, 124-120, in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup on Friday at the Araneta Coliseum.

Seven players from the Batang Pier were in twin-digit scoring, led by Cade Flores, who had 21 points and 12 rebounds and also took the Player of the Game nod.

Zavier Lucero (18 points), Jeff Chan (17 points), Joshua Munzon (17 points), Arvin Tolentino (15 points), Fran Yu (13 points), and Paul Christian Zamar (11 points) completed the supporting cast of NorthPort.

"Like what I have said to my players, it's not about starting the game, eh. It's about finishing, how we finish the game. And again, 'yung second unit, it's a very crucial unit for a very young NorthPort team," Tan said during the post-game press conference.

ADVERTISEMENT

"We're still looking for our identity. We're happy na si Zavier (Lucero) delivered off the bench," he added.

Tan's reserves overwhelmed their counterparts, garnering a whopping 88 markers in bench points compared to Phoenix's 49.

NorthPort kept the separation in their favor for most of the game, but last conference's semifinalists crawled back into the game and even took the lead with 3:40 left in regulation courtesy of Ricci Rivero's charity at 111-110.

However, Yu took the lead immediately after converting an and-one and followed it through with points from the foul line.

Lucero joined the offensive in the clutch, sinking one two-pointer that gave his team a 117-113 cushion.

The Batang Pier later  converted their late-game free throws and safely inbounded the ball in the dying minutes which secured the victory for Tan and company.

"Basically, we just need the safe inbound. So we relied on our captainball and veteran Jeff Chan. Ayon, safe inbound lang then no errors. 'Yon lang naman na-emphasize," said the NorthPort mentor.

ADVERTISEMENT

Jason Perkins paced his team with a game-high 28 markers and seven boards.

The Batang Pier will only have a day of rest as they are slated to battle the Meralco Bolts on Sunday at the same Quezon City venue.

The scores:

NORTHPORT 124 – Flores 21, Lucero 18, Munzon 17, Tolentino 15, Yu 13, Zazmar 11, Bulanadi 6, Calma 2, Rosales 2, Paraiso 2,8Adamos 0, Amores 0, Cuntapay 0

PHOENIX 120 – Perkins 24, 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

QUARTERS: 35-25, 61-52, 90-80, 124-120

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

It looks like you’re using an ad blocker

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.

Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please consider supporting us by disabling your ad blocker on our website.