BY JONAS TERRADO
NorthPort became only the fourth No. 8 seed to beat a No. 1 after stunning NLEX with a 126-123 triple overtime victory Wednesday to secure the fourth and last berth in the PBA Governors’ Cup semifinals at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Batang Pier rode on the inspiring performance of the hardworking Sean Anthony, whose layup with 12.3 seconds left in the third extension gave them a 124-123 lead and eventually earn the right to face Barangay Ginebra San Miguel in the semifinals.
Jericho Cruz airballed his three-point attempt, Christian Standhardinger hit two free throws before Kiefer Ravena missed a game-tying three at the buzzer, sparking wild celebrations from the NorthPort players and coaches.
The Batang Pier repeated the feats of Barangay Ginebra over Mobiline in the 1999 All-Filipino Conference, San Miguel Beer opposite Talk ’N Text in the 2002 Governors’ Cup and Powerade past B-Meg in the 2012 Philippine Cup.
Anthony, a member of that Powerade squad led by Gary David, Jvee Casio and Marcio Lassiter, made sure history would repeat itself as NorthPort overcame inconsistencies and the season-ending injury to rookie Robert Bolick to make the Final Four.
Anthony finished with 30 points and 11 rebounds in 47 minutes.
Christian Standhardinger, who was added in the team after a trade with SMB in the elims, topscored with 33 points while import Michael Qualls added 31 for the Batang Pier.
Import Manny Harris dropped 43 points while Kiefer Ravena scored 22 despite a 6-of-20 shooting as NLEX’s season ends in disappointment after topping the elims.
The scores:
NORTHPORT 126 – Standhardinger 33, Qualls 31, Anthony 30, Elorde 12, Taha 7, Ferrer 6, Lanete 4, Mercado 3, Cruz 0, King 0.
NLEX 123 – Harris 43, Ravena 22, Quinahan 13, Ighalo 12, Soyud 9, Paniamogan 8, Cruz 6, Taulava 6, Miranda 2, Fonacier 2, Alas 0.
Quarters: 24-27, 43-56, 70-74, 99-99, 116-116, 126-123.
