Bolick-less NorthPort survives late rally, hands Magnolia first Govs’ Cup loss

Playing sans Robert Bolick, NorthPort Batang Pier dealt the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok their first loss in the import-laden conference after a 103-101 victory in the PBA Governors' Cup on Thursday at Ynares Sports Center in Antipolo.

Down 77-62 at the end of the third quarter, the Hotshots banked on an 11-0 run early in the fourth period to cut their deficit to a single digit, 79-73. Magnolia went on with their comeback and eventually took the lead, 90-86, at the 4:15 mark. The two teams continued the chase until both teams were tied at 99 with 1:10 left.

After a crucial turnover by Mark Barroca, a Jamel Artis jumpshot gave NorthPort the lead, 101-99, with less than a minute left. At the 00:18 mark, an Aris Dionisio foul which ejected him brought Jamie Malonzo to the line, with the former La Salle player splitting his charities and giving NorthPort a 3-point lead, 102-99.

Coming off a timeout, Magnolia import Mike Harris attempted to complete a layup twice but Arwind Santos blocked him on his second try. Harris had the offensive rebound but Santos was called on a foul, bringing Harris to the line and shooting two to bring them to 102-101.

A split from Artis off a Rafi Reavis foul sealed the deal for NorthPort, despite Paul Lee's effort to steal the win with a failed triple.

NorthPort waxed hot early in the game with Artis and Santos combining for five triples to take the lead, 33-21, at the end of the first quarter. The margin continued to widen with the Batang Pier taking the upper hand at the end of the first half, 58-46.

Artis listed 42 points, 9 rebounds, and 8 assists for the win, while Malonzo had 19 points and 5 rebounds. Santos had 14 points on four triples, on top of making 8 rebounds.

Mike Harris registered 34 points and 12 rebounds, while Barroca had 16 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists in the losing effort.

With the win, NorthPort registered back-to-back wins and improved to 2-5. Meanwhile, Magnolia listed its first loss in seven games.

NorthPort will be back in action on Saturday against the Phoenix Super LPG Fuelmasters, while Magnolia will try to bounce back on Sunday when they face the San Miguel Beermen. Both games will still be played in Antipolo.

The scores:

NorthPort 103 – Artis 42, Malonzo 19, Santos 14, Sumang 10, Taha 9, Balanza 5, Doliguez 2, Abundo 1, Rike 1.

Magnolia 101 – Harris 34, Barroca 16, Lee 14, Dionisio 11, Jalalon 10, Sangalang 9, Corpuz 4, Ahanmisi 3, Reavis 0, Wong 0, Brill 0.

Quarters: 33-21, 58-46, 77-62, 103-101

– RC, GMA News