MANILA, Philippines — Buried to a 16-point hole in the first nine minutes, NorthPort reversed its situation by putting the clamps on NLEX the rest of the way.
And when the final buzzer sounded, the Batang Pier won this duel with much to spare, 114-87, for a roaring start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Arvin Tolentino, shrugging off a foot injury scare in the first quarter, fired 15 in a blistering 35-12 salvo in the second that turned the tables around and put NorthPort way ahead, 56-41, coming off an early 9-25 deficit.
Tolentino finished with 29 big points spiked by a 2-of-2 three-point shooting while import Kadeem Jack debuted with 25, Allyn Bulanadi shot 14 and Joshua Munzon chipped in 12.
“We started flat. But the good thing there is our second group stepped up led by Evan Nelle,”said assistant coach Renzy Bajar, filling in for coach Bonnie Tan in the post-game presscon.
“But ang bottomline is ‘yung team effort on defense. Nasunod ‘yung game plan ni coach Bonnie, that’s why nakabalik kami. We stuck to the game plan sa defense and sa offense and we just kept on running.”
Focal point of NorthPort’s defense was NLEX gunner Robert Bolick, who was held to a lowly three markers on woeful 1-of-11 clip. This output equaled Bolick’s PBA career low, which he recorded thrice during his maiden appearance in the 2019 Philippine Cup with NP. Bolick somehow compensated for this with nine assists.
“Sa scouting report namin talagang binigyan namin ng focus ‘yung kailangang ma-i-stop sa kanila which is No. 1 scorer nila and leader, si Robert,” said Bajar.
“But siyempre, Robert Bolick is Robert Bolick. So we’re lucky na medyo talaga ‘yung production niya sa points ngayon medyo mababa. Naging big factor sa amin sa game na ito na hindi siya na-involve sa scoring.”
Michael Griffin-Watkins produced a 29-19 for the Road Warriors, who were held to a 29-of-79 shooting the whole game and committed 23 turnovers that resulted in 21 markers for the Batang Pier.
Meanwhile, Converge and guest team Eastern of Hong Kong dispute the early lead today in a duel of opening-day winners at 7:30 p.m. also at the NAS.
Reigning Philippine Cup champion Meralco, meanwhile, launches its bid in the 5 p.m. curtain raiser versus Phoenix (0-1).