Northport import Jamel Artis. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines—NorthPort put a stop to its dreadful start and ended Meralco’s perfect run, 109-98, in the 2021-22 PBA Governors’ Cup Thursday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
The Batang Pier snapped their five-game skid and improved to 1-5 in the conference while the Bolts slipped to 4-1.
A huge third quarter pushed the Batang Pier to an 81-64 lead heading into the fourth as they outscored Meralco 34-14 in the penultimate frame.
Chris Newsome’s and-one dunk put the Bolts to within nine, 94-85, but that was the closest they could get as NorthPort responded in the next three minutes with Roi Sumang converting on a layup for the 103-88 lead with 3:22 to play.
“The players were able to settle themselves and the import was also able to get his chemistry with his teammates,” said NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio. “I think it’s the law of averages, we can’t keep losing every game we play. It was a team effort, everybody was stepping up.”
Artis pulls up and hits over Hodge! #PBAiTuloyAngLaban pic.twitter.com/ZzAhDY0dzg
— PBA (@pbaconnect) February 17, 2022
Jamel Artis led the Batang Pier with 26 points, eight rebounds, and three blocks while Robert Bolick finished with 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals in his first game back with the team.
Tony Bishop had a game-high 34 points, 16 rebounds, and two blocks to lead Meralco while Chris Banchero added 23 points and four assists.