Robinson takes charge as NLEX staves off NorthPort in heated encounter
At A Glance
- Thomas Robinson took charge in the waning minutes as NLEX staved off a stubborn NorthPort side, 112-104, in the 2023 PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Nov. 22.
Thomas Robinson took charge in the waning minutes as NLEX staved off a stubborn NorthPort side, 112-104, in the 2023 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Wednesday, Nov. 22.

With the Batang Pier staying too close for comfort late in the payoff period, 96-101, Robinson carried the Road Warriors on his back and went on a personal 6-0 run to create the much-needed separation to even their record to 2-2.
Robinson, who had to shrug off the physicality and the mind games from the NorthPort frontline, put up an all-around effort of 30 points and 18 rebounds – including the back-to-back dunks and a layup to restore a 107-96 lead after the Road Warriors almost blew a huge 17-point lead in the first half.
It was a heated encounter between Robinson and the Batang Pier as he also engaged in a verbal tussle with NorthPort governor Erik Arejola and team manager Pido Jarencio during the game.
It also didn’t end there as the verbal altercation between Robinson and Jarencio spilled over towards the tunnel leading to both team's respective dugouts.
The verbal tussle that marred the contest, cannot take away the limelight from Don Trollano who also stepped up big time in NLEX's first game without injured guard Kevin Alas.
Trollano set the tone for the win, dropping 18 of his 29 points in the first quarter which allowed NLEX to establish a sizable margin.
That, however, got slowly cut down to single digits behind the effort of Joshua Munzon, Cade Flores and NorthPort import Venky Jois.
The three along with Arvin Tolentino who came alive in the second half, joined hands in pulling NorthPort within five several times with under five minutes left.
Timely baskets from Sean Anthony and Kris Rosales didn't allow the Batang Pier to break into the five-point barrier before Robinson took the Road Warriors home.
Jois shared the top scoring honors with Munzon for the Batang Pier with 20 apiece although the Australian import also added 19 boards.
Their efforts however were not enough as NorthPort absorbed its second-straight loss for an even 2-2 card.