The NorthPort Batang Pier made it three straight wins inside the DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga after staving off a late run by the NLEX Road Warriors, 96-94, Sunday evening.
The Batang Pier's biggest lead in the game was 16, but that got reduced to just four with 53.5 seconds left.
NLEX wasn't able to capitalize on their opportunity to slice through the deficit some more, however, as NorthPort played suffocating defense leading to three key defensive stops. Jamie Malonzo put the game to bed as he made a free throw for a 96-91 lead with 16.5 seconds left.
Kevin Alas still made a last gasp off-the-glass three only to see Sean Anthony dribble out the clock, as NorthPort continued rising in the rankings at 4-3.
"It's all a team effort. We have assistant coaches, Kevin Ferrer and Sean Anthony. They did a good job, (our team) finished with a bang," said NorthPort interim coach Bonnie Tan, in his second game calling the shots with head coach Pido Jarencio and staff still in recovery.
NorthPort floor general Robert Bolick rallied his troops to match his career-best 26 points, while also obtaining issuing five assists and obtaining three rebounds. Second overall pick Malonzo had another double-double performance of 13 markers and 13 boards, on top of five dimes.
"We just gave our best. We want to win for our coaches, our families, friends, and loved ones. They inspire us here, we sacrifice for them. The win is for them, especially for the coaches," remarked Bolick.
Malonzo scored 11 points in the first, which went along with six rebounds for a strong start for the Batang Pier, who led by as much as six, 23-17, before ending the opening chapter with a 29-26 advantage. They would remain in front until the Road Warriors rally that ultimately fell short.
Trollano paced the NLEX offense with 19 points on a 5/9 clip from downtown. However, their record took a turn for the worse at 4-5.
THE SCORES
NORTHPORT (96) -- Bolick 26, Taha 14, Anthony 14, Malonzo 13, Onwubere 9, Ferrer 8, Grey 5, Lanete 5, Elorde 2, Rike 0, Balanza 0.
NLEX (94) -- Trollano 19, Alas 13, Semerad 10, Porter 10, Cruz 10, Oftana 8, Miranda 7, Paniamogan 5, Soyud 4, Ighalo 3, Mcaloney 3, Ayonayon 2.
Quarter Scores: 29-26, 48-45, 73-65, 96-94.
EXTRA DRIBBLES
- Greg Slaughter did not play due to cellulitis on his hip, per the broadcast. He was fined PHP 20,000 for his flagrant-2 against Terrafirma's Roosevelt Adams last Saturday. Troy Rike started in his place. - NLEX Road Warrior JR Quiñahan was also out of action after suffering a right hand injury.
NEXT GAMES
To be announced on Tuesday