JONAS TERRADO
Games Friday
(Smart Araneta Coliseum)
4:30 p.m. – Phoenix Pulse vs Blackwater
7 p.m. – Ginebra vs Columbian
NorthPort put a halt to NLEX’s five-game unbeaten run after coming from behind to pull off a 102-94 victory and boost its playoff aspirations in the PBA Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Import Michael Qualls sizzled for 36 points, 11 rebounds and five assists and Christian Standhardinger had 23 points and 19 rebounds as the Batang Pier snapped a two-game slide to move in a tie for seventh spot at presstime with the Columbian Dyip at 4-6.
The Batang Pier won despite trailing 22-7 at the start against a Road Warriors that was coming off a dramatic 86-85 victory over the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok last Sunday.
NLEX dropped to a share of the lead with Meralco at 8-2.
It was a double celebration for coach Pido Jarencio, who performed a “Go USTe!” chant after being informed of his alma matter’s dramatic win over University of the Philippines for the right to face Ateneo in the UAAP Finals.
Focusing more on his team, Jarencio was glad to see NorthPort recover from a flat start.
“It’s a total team effort,” said Jarencio. “The players wanted to win this game dahil kung hindi, out na tayo this conference.”
The Batang Pier took the lead on Kevin Ferrer’s three for 76-73 with over three minutes remaining in the third before Qualls erupted for 11 in the fourth, including a basket that gave his squad its biggest lead at 100-87, less than 90 seconds in the period.
NLEX’s defeat put a damper on the comeback of birthday boy Kevin Alas, who went scoreless in seven minutes. Alas played his first game since suffering a second ACL injury in early-February.
Manny Harris finished with 36 points for the Road Warriors.
The scores:
NORTHPORT 102 — Qualls 36, Standhardinger 23, Anthony 19, Ferrer 9, Elorde 7, Taha 4, Lanete 2, Mercado 2, King 0, Escoto 0.
NLEX 94 — Harris 34, Ravena 16, Quinahan 10, Erram 7, Cruz 7, Fonacier 6, Miranda 5, Paniamogan 4, Taulava 3, Soyud 2, Alas 0, Ighalo 0.
Quarters: 25-28; 43-51; 81-78; 102-94.
