Sean Anthony leads NorthPort’s charge this time. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort marched to its second straight Philippine Cup victory at the expense of NLEX, 95-90, in a nip-and-tuck affair Sunday in the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup at Araneta Coliseum.
Sean Anthony left his prints all over the game, firing 22 points and snaring nine boards with seven steals and five assists.
“That’s his natural game. We all know how Sean plays,” coach Pido Jarencio said in Filipino. “He’s the consistent one within the squad. He’s our Sixth Man, our off-the-bench boost but he delivers—from double-doubles to hustle plays.”
JP Erram provided anchorage for NLEX, keeping NorthPort within striking range as the game entered the final salvo.
Mo Tautuaa, Stanley Pringle, and Robert Bolick all chimed in double-digit performances in the scoring department—albeit not as sterling as Anthony’s. But they made their presence felt just in time to thwart the Road Warriors’ bid for a comeback.
“What’s important for us is to have that finishing kick,” Jarencio said. “We learned our lessons from last year’s campaign. There were times we lead by as many as 15 in the first half, then suddenly we’re down big.”
JR Quiñahan reprised his steady performance in the affair, accounting for 18 points. Bong Galanza and Philip Paniamogan chimed in 11 and 10 markers, respectively.
NorthPort joins Phoenix atop the all-Filipino conference ladder. It takes on Columbian this Friday at Yñares Center in Antipolo in hopes of keeping its run unscathed.
“2-0? We’re far [from our goal]. But at least we beat NLEX—a formidable team. This should serve as a morale-booster for us,” Jarencio said.
Meanwhile, NLEX looks to stop the bleeding when it faces TNT this Wednesday at the same venue.
The scores:
NorthPort 95 – Anthony 22, Tautuaa 18, Bolick 14, Pringle 11, Taha 9, Elorde 8, Arana 4, Guinto 3, Flores 2, Lanete 2, Grey 2, Gabayni 0, Sollano 0.
NLEX 90 – Erram 19, Quinahan 18, Galanza 11, Paniamogan 10, Magat 8, Tallo 7, Fonacier 5, Baguio 4, Ighalo 2, Alas 2, Soyud 2, Porter 2, Taulava 0, Rios 0.
Quarters: 25-22, 48-46, 71-70, 95-90.
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