NorthPort once again got contributions from its main players led by Robert Bolick and Jamie Malonzo to claim a 100-86 victory over Terrafirma and the share of the early lead Saturday, June 11 in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Bolick scored 26 points on 7-of-18 shooting with eight rebounds and 10 assists while Malonzo tallied 19 points and 16 rebounds as the Batang Pier improved to 2-0 to tie the idle San Miguel Beermen on top of the standings.
Kevin Ferrer, Arwind Santos, Roi Sumang and rookie JM Calma also stepped up for NorthPort, which took control of the contest in the second half that paved the way for another victory.
Both victories were won via double digits with an average margin of 14.5 points.
Ferrer scored 15 points, Calma had 12 points and nine rebounds, Sumang posted 10 points, six rebounds and five assists while Santos added 10 points and seven boards.
NorthPort led 50-49 entering the third but pulled away with Bolick’s three extending the gap to double digits for the first time at 65-54, with under seven minutes to go.
Terrafirma could only cut the margin to six twice, the last at 75-69 on a triple by big man Christian Balagaysay early in the payoff period.
But the Batang Pier would counter on a 10-2 run, ending on a Calma layup that made it 85-71, time down to 6:09 in the fourth.
Joshua Munzon and Juami Tiongson produced 24 points apiece but Terrafirma suffered defeat for the second straight time to begin the season-opening conference.
Munzon and Tiongson combined for 24 in the first half as the Dyip kept the game close, before the Batang Pier took over.
Compounding the loss was the injury suffered by Ed Daquioag, who hurt his ankle after an awkward fall while trying to stop Bolick.
The scores:
NORTHPORT 100 — Bolick 26, Malonzo 19, Ferrer 15, Calma 12, Santos 10, Sumang 10, Dela Cruz 4, Balanza 2, Ayaay 2, Vigil 0, Subido 0, Apacible 0.
TERRAFIRMA 86 — Munzon 24, Tiongson 24, Ramos 10, Calvo 8, Cahilig 5, Daquioag 4, Balagasay 4, Camson 3, Go 2, Gabayni 0, Grospe 0, Tumalip 0, Enriquez 0, Mina 0.
Quarters: 22-26, 50-49, 72-66, 100-86.