By REYNALD MAGALLON
Will Navarro recorded several firsts in his pro career as NorthPort snapped the seven-game winning run of the Quincy Miller-less Converge, 112-97, in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Sunday, Nov. 20.
The Gilas Pilipinas stalwart was an assist shy from completing a triple-double with 29 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists as the Batang Pier made a strong case for a playoff spot after hiking their record to a 6-5 slate.
It was actually Navarro who spearheaded the massive third quarter breakaway when NorthPort managed to shake off a gritty FiberXers squad which hung tough in the first half despite its import in Miller sitting out the contest.
Miller was reportedly suspended by team management form breaching team rules.
The rookie forward dropped 16 of his total as NorthPort established a 19-point spread, 88-69, after only leading by three at the half, 52-49.
It was all Batang Pier from there as usual suspects in Robert Bolick, Prince Ibeh and Arvin Tolentino all got their bearings going to complete the huge upset of the erstwhile second seed team.
Bolick added a double-double of 26 points, 10 assists and six rebounds while Ibeh added 19 points and 15 boards. Tolentino was the other Batang Pier who breached the double-figure mark with 15 apart from his seven rebounds.
Even without Miller, the FiberXers looked poised to engage the Batang Pier to a nip-and-tuck affair behind the efforts of Aljun Melecio who willed his team back from an early 10-point deficit in the opening frame to just a three point disadvantage at the break.
It was in the second half when Converge badly missed the services of Miller as Navarro and Ibeh imposed his will inside with only Justin Arana and Abu Tratter only left to hold the fort.
Without the three-point threat of the sweet-shooting reinforcement, Converge also struggled on the offensive end with only Melecio pacing the FiberXers with 20 points while Jeron Teng added 14.
The scores:
NORTHPORT 112 – Navarro 29, Bolick 26, Ibeh 19, Tolentino 15, Sumang 9, Balanza 7, Ferrer 4, Ayaay 2, Chan 1, Caperal 0, Calma 0.
CONVERGE 97 – Melecio 10, Teng 14, Ahanmisi 11, Ilagan 11, Tratter 9, Stockton 8, Arana 8, Browne 6, Racal 6, DiGregorio 2, Bulanadi 2, Ambohot 0.
Quarters: 28-18, 52-49, 88-73, 112-97
