by Jonas Terrado
Games Friday (Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Columbian vs Meralco
7 p.m. – Ginebra vs Blackwater
ANTIPOLO CITY – NorthPort bucked the absence of Stanley Pringle and spoiled Alaska’s bid to gain the early lead with a 103-81 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center here.
Rookie Robert Bolick scored 12 of his 19 points in the first half while Sean Anthony, Jonathan Grey and Mo Tautuaa made big shots in the fourth quarter to preserve the Batang Pier’s positive start in the midseason tournament.
The victory came despite missing Pringle, who was in street clothes after undergoing operation to remove bone spurs on his right foot.
Coach Pido Jarencio said Pringle will be available for Saturday’s game against NLEX at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Nonetheless, Jarencio was pleased with his team’s performance.
“The players responded to the challenge of having to do their share with Stanley Pringle out,” Jarencio said.
Anthony had 22 points, six rebounds and four assists, Grey scored 13 points and Mo Tautuaa added 12 points, nine rebounds and six assists.
Import Prince Ibeh posted 19 points and 13 rebounds, drawing praise from Jarencio for his intimidating presence in the paint.
Scores:
NorthPort 103 – Anthony 22, Bolick 19, Ibeh 19, Grey 13, Tautuaa 12, Taha 9, Elorde 5, Arana 4, Flores 0.
Alaska 81 – Daniels 21, Enciso 10, Ayaay 10, Cruz 9, Casio 8, Baclao 7, Exciminiano 6, Thoss 4, Teng 2, Pascual 2, Racal 2, Galliguez 0, Babilonia 0.
Quarterscores: 28-21, 51-42, 75-66, 103-81
