PBA: NorthPort keeps playoff bid alive, beats Alaska

MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort stayed in the playoff hunt after fending off Alaska, 94-84, for its second straight win in the crucial stretch of the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

In a heated race to the next round, the Batang Pier gained a half a game edge over the Aces, giving them a chance for at least a playoff for a quarterfinal berth. They are tied with NLEX at 4-6.

Sean Anthony unleashed a monster 24-point, 17-rebound performance when NorthPort needed it most while Stanley Pringle added 21 points.

With only three more spots left in playoffs, NorthPort has a chance to secure its bid if it teams Ginebra next Wednesday after the All-Star break.

NLEX, which is also seeking a ticket to post-season, plays Magnolia (5-5) in the other deciding game.

Meanwhile, Alaska, which dropped to 4-7 with no games left on its schedule, is going to rely on the results of other matchups to determine if it still has a playoff shot.

Carl Bryan Cruz had 23 points for the Aces with Sonny Thoss and Simon Enciso added 14 and 11 points, respectively.