MANILA – NorthPort Batang Pier survived a spirited fight back by Phoenix Fuel Masters in the fourth quarter for a 124-120 triumph in the 2024 PBA Philippine Cup last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Leading 103-91 after back-to-back triples by Negrense Jeffrei Chan, the Batang Pier suddenly saw their advantage disappeared following a huge Fuel Masters run to tie the score at 113-all.
The Batang Pier responded with two free throws from Fran Yu, a basket from Zavier Lucero, and four straight conversions from Arvin Tolentino for a 121-116 lead with 27 seconds left.
The Fuel Masters made its last push on baskets from Ricci Rivero and Jason Perkins, but a split free throw by Lucero with three seconds left sealed the win for the Batang Pier.
Rookie center Cade Flores led the way with a double-double of 21 points and 12 rebounds as the Batang Pier secured its second consecutive victory for a 2-1 win-loss slate.
“I just play as hard as I can, just leave everything on the court,” Flores said. “I don’t play for the achievements, I just want do it for the dub, whether it is on offense or defense I will do it.”
Lucero chipped in 18 points, Chan and Munzon contributed 17 points apiece, while Tolentino, Yu, and Ilonggo Paul Zamar contributed 15, 13, and 11 markers, respectively, for NorthPort.
Batang Pier head coach Bonnie Tan stated that their strong start and contributions from their off the bench players were crucial in their second straight victory.
“For a young team like NorthPort, our bench production is crucial we are happy to get those points from our bench players,” Tan said. “Also, like what I said to my players, ‘It is now how we start the game, but how we finish it.’”
Perkins finished with 28 points, Tyler Tio added 19 markers, while RJ Jazul, Rivero, and Kenneth Tuffin contributed 15, 13, and 11 markers, respectively, as the Fuel Masters opened the conference with a defeat./PN
BOX SCORE:
NORTHPORT 124 — Flores 21, Lucero 18, Chan 17, Munzon 17, Tolentino 15, Yu 13, Zamar 11, Bulanadi 6, Calma 2, Rosales 2, Paraiso 2, Adamos 0, Amores 0, Cuntapay 0.
PHOENIX 120 — Perkins 28, Tio 19, Jazul 15, Rivero 13, Tuffin 11, Manganti 9, Mocon 8, Soyud 4, Daves 4, Alejandro 3, Muyang 2, Garcia 2, Camacho 2, Lalata 0, Verano 0.
Quarterscores: 35-25, 61-52, 90-80, 124-120.
