Bolick delivers winner as NorthPort zaps Meralco to stay in hunt for top seed | Inquirer Sports

Bolick delivers winner as NorthPort zaps Meralco to stay in hunt for top seed

/ 10:15 PM July 12, 2019

MANILA, Philippines–Rookie Robert Bolick nailed a tough layup with three seconds left to help push NorthPort past Meralco, 93-92, in a nip-and-tuck contest Friday night in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Cuneta Astrodome in Pasay.

The third overall pick of the draft blew past two Bolts defenders for a go-ahead basket, fanning the chances of Batang Pier to wrest the top spot as they improved to 9-2.

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Bolts guard Chris Newsome missed a reverse layup in the next sequence that would’ve sent his squad back to the win column after a four-game slide. Instead, Meralco settled for a 3-7 slate, with its chances of advancing into the quarterfinals even bleaker.

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“It’s all about our team effort. My players probably wanted to come off a strong finish as we head to the playoffs,” NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio said. “Let’s see what will happen in the playoffs. We’re just waiting.”

Prince Ibeh had another double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds, while Sol Mercado and Nico Elorde tossed in 10 or more in the scoring effort.

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“Hopefully Sean (Anthony) is able [to rejoin the team by then],” the outspoken mentor said of his skipper who was nursing an ankle injury.

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Newsome paced Meralco with 21 points, while new but undersized import Delroy James added 17 more in the losing stand where three more Bolts scored in double digits.

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NorthPort’s victory renders the magic number of wins needed for a quarterfinal entry to just five. With this development, Magnolia and Rain or Shine—both enjoying 5-5 records—are getting free rides into the next round.

Meralco will still have one last foe to tackle—powerhouse San Miguel Beer, which is cramming for victories to secure a comfortable spot in the draw. They tangle July 17 at Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

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The scores

NorthPort (93) – Bolick 18, Ibeh 15, Mercado 12, Elorde 10, Ferrer 9, Lanete 9, Tautuaa 6, Flores 5, Cruz 5, Taha 4, Arana 0, Gabayni 0.

Meralco (92) – Newsome 21, James 17, Amer 16, Hodge 13, de Ocampo 10, Faundo 4, Almazan 4, Quinto 4, Tolomia 2, Hugnatan 1, Salva 0, Pinto 0, Canaleta 0, Jackson 0.

Quarters: 22-28, 45-43, 62-67, 93-92.

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TAGS: Meralco, NorthPort, top seed

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