PBA: Columbian lean on Alston, Perez to overcome NorthPort

MANILA, Philippines—Columbian turned to its deadly duo of Khapri Alston and CJ Perez to fend off NorthPort, 114-108, in the 2019 PBA Governors’ Cup Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Alston recorded 25 points and 17 rebounds while Perez also notched a double-double with 25 points and 11 rebounds for the Dyip, who rose to 2-1.

“It’s another close game, but this time we ended up winning. Going into this game I told the players, we need to beat this team if we want to go to the quarterfinals,” said Columbian coach Johnedel Cardel.

It took a while for Cardel’s wards to respond to his challenge but they came alive during a 38-point third quarter to turn an eight-point deficit to a 90-85 advantage entering the final frame.

Perez, who also had six assists, had 16 in the pivotal third period and he kept doing damage down the stretch by setting up his teammates for crucial baskets and also scoring on his own.

His follow-up made it 110-101 before Alston scored on the post for a 112-103 lead with 1:34 remaining.

The Batang Pier made it interesting in the final seconds after pulling within four, 112-108, following a quick 3-pointer by Kevin Ferrer off the inbound before Dyip guard Reden Celda sealed the game with a pair of free throws with 21.2 ticks to go.

Robert Bolick led NorthPort, which suffered its second straight loss after winning in its opening game, with 23 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists while Mo Tautuaa added 22 points and 14 rebounds.