Stanley Pringle vs Troy Rosario. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort claimed the biggest fish in its surprising run early in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup eliminations, bringing down powerhouse TNT, 110-86, on Wednesday night to stay undefeated while claiming a piece of the lead.
Stanley Pringle was supposed to be less than 100%, but came off the bench to shoot 22 points in less than 29 minutes to lead the Batang Pier to their third straight victory and into a tie with idle Blackwater.
The NorthPort defense also forced TNT import Terrence Jones to his worst PBA game as the KaTropa slumped to their first loss in three outings and exposed all the weaknesses of their super import to the rest of the field.
Coming into the game averaging 42 points and 18 rebounds, Jones showed a short fuse against the Batang Pier and wound up with just 17 and 14.
There were five players in twin digits for the Batang Pier, with Robert Bolick also coming off the bench to scatter 21 points and import Prince Ibeh more than holding his own against Jones with 18 points and 20 rebounds.
The Batang Pier will be playing three straight powerhouses from here on, starting with San Miguel Beer and then Barangay Ginebra before winding up a cruel stretch against Magnolia.