NorthPort led right from the start behind a collective effort on its way to beating Rain or Shine, 94-81, Thursday, June 9 in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
The Batang Pier scored the first 12 points of what turned out to be a wire-to-wire contest that gave them a promising start to their campaign in Season 47’s opening salvo.
Jamie Malonzo, Robert Bolick, Kevin Ferrer, Art dela Cruz and Arwind Santos spearheaded NorthPort’s triumph that denied Rain or Shine a 2-0 start.
“It was a total team effort. Everybody’s doing their role well,” said NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio.
Malonzo had 18 points and 15 rebounds to begin his second season in the big league while Bolick topscored with 22 points, including 13 in the third quarter which helped the Batang Pier pull away once more.
Ferrer added 15, Dela Cruz made plenty of left-handed shots on his way to 10 points even as Santos, a member of last season’s All-Defensive Team, added eight points and 10 rebounds.
Rookie center JM Calma got a starting role and quietly made nine points and four rebounds.
Rain or Shine fell to an even 1-1 record after falling behind as many as 21 points.
Mike Nieto topscored with 19 points and Santi Santillan produced another solid output of 16 points and seven rebounds.
But Rain or Shine sorely missed Rey Nambatac for most of the second half after he appeared to have suffered an injury.
The Elasto Painters were also without Gabe Norwood (waist) and rookie Gian Mamuyac (Covid-19 protocols).
The scores:
NORTHPORT 94 — Bolick 22, Malonzo 18, Ferrer 15, Delac Cruz 10, Calma 9, Santos 8, Sumang 5, Balanza 4, Ayaay 3, Vigil 0, Apacible 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 81 — Nieto 19, Santillan 16, Asistio 14, Belga 10, Nambatac 6, Demusis 6, Ildefonso 5, Ponferrada 5, Torres 0, CLarito 0, Borboran 0, Caracut 0, Tolentino 0.
Quarters: 20-11, 40-35, 71-54, 94-81.