Kevin Ferrer, NorthPort rout import-less Blackwater
Kevin Ferrer. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—NorthPort played with sustained brilliance to make minced meat of Blackwater, 127-99, for a share of the lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup standings Saturday at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.
Batang Pier’s newest weapons in Kevin Ferrer and Sol Mercado immediately made their presence felt. Ferrer cored the most with 23 points, while Mercado had 14.
“We just take care of business,” NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio said in the post-game presser. We just took advantage that our opponents had no import.“
Skipper Sean Anthony scored 22 off the bench, to join four more members of Jarencio’s squad who scored in twin digits.
NorthPort now joins TNT at the top. Though KaTropa’s only loss came at the hands of the Batang Pier on May 29.
Playing their second game sans an import, the Elite turned to Ray Parks Jr. for leadership. The rookie scored 25 points, while Rabeh al-Hussaini played his finest game in a long time, tossing in 16 and Mac Belo added 10 more in the losing stand.
Jameel McKay, Blackwater’s replacement for burly Alex Stepheson, was unable to suit up as he was yet to get clearance to play, according to team governor Siliman Sy.
Up next for Jarencio and his charges are the 2-3 Phoenix Fuel on Wednesday at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.
The Elite, who suffered their first losing streak, look to bounce back against Magnolia—a squad which has chalked up back-to-back victories. They tangle on July 5 at MOA Arena, also in Pasay.
The scores: Northport 127 – Ferrer 23, Anthony 22, Bolick 16, Cruz 16, Mercado 14, Ibeh 10, Taha 10, Tautuaa 8, Lanete 8, Gabayni 0. Blackwater 99 – Parks 25, Al-Hussaini 16, Digregorio 10, Maliksi 10, Belo 10, Tratter 6, Alolino 5, Sumang 5, Desiderio 5, Javier 4, Salem 3, Cortez 0, Sena 0, Jose 0. Quarterscores: 29-21, 54-39, 86-65, 127-99
