Robert Bolick gives NorthPort a big boost in opening game. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort weathered a gutsy Rain or Shine side for a 99-94 victory Friday in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay.
Import Mychal Ammons led the way for Batang Pier with 25 points and 19 rebounds, but it was rookie Robert Bolick who pulled out both the stops and gut punches late to seal the deal.
“The ending was a bit awful,” said coach Pido Jarencio. “But a win is a win.”
“We’re not perfect. As long as we win, as long as we set goals (we’re going to be fine).
But it didn’t take long for Jarencio to change his tone.
“(Rain or Shine) scared us. But we still got the happy ending,” he said with a chuckle.
And much of it was all thanks to his star rookie Bolick, who delivered 20 points and five assists off the bench.
“He’s such a smart kid,” Jarencio said of his prized freshman who was coming off a FIBA World Cup stint.
Rain or Shine, meanwhile, got the goods from another youngster—Rey Nambatac—who narrowed what was a 24-point lead to just four down the stretch.
The sophomore ElastoPainter had 19 points to go with import Joel Wright’s 22, but couldn’t apply the finishing touches to complete the comeback.
NorthPort plunges into an acid test Friday next week when it faces reigning champion Magnolia at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Rain or Shine, on the other hand, seeks to rebound from the loss when it takes on Columbian this Sunday, also at the Big Dome.