PBA: NorthPort blows out Terrafirma, Slaughter ejected

NorthPort rookie Jamie Malonzo. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—NorthPort claimed its second straight win with 104-84 beating of Terrafirma in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at DHVSU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Playing on a faster tempo without center Greg Slaughter, who was sent off after a flagrant foul 2 in the second, the Batang Pier ran amuck in transition with a 21-6 advantage in fast-break points and 24-11 edge in points off turnovers.

A 19-5 run in the second quarter, capped off by a transition dunk from rookie Jamie Malonzo, blew the game wide open for NorthPort, who pushed the lead to 22, 55-33, just before halftime.

This Malonzo WINDMILL!!! #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/RczjsfIELJ

— PBA (@pbaconnect) September 11, 2021

Team manager Bonnie Tan, who is serving as interim head coach in place of Pido Jarencio, was proud of how his players adjusted without the interior presence of the 7-foot Slaughter for majority of the game.

Slaughter committed a hard foul on Terrafirma guard Roosevelt Adams that prompted the referees to throw him out of the game at the 8:19 mark of the second quarter.

“We have a game plan without Greg, there’s a different game plan for this situation, and I’m happy they responded well,” said Tan. “They didn’t want to give up that easily. Even without our coaches they responded by playing to win here in Pampanga.”

Garvo Lanete led NorthPort’s offense with 18 points on 5-of-8 shooting while the second overall pick Malonzo had 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals.

Sidney Onwubere missed out on a double-double for the Batang Pier with 10 points and nine boards.

Aldrech Ramos and Adams led the Dyip with 14 points apiece.