Robert Bolick leads NorthPort to an opening win. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–Northport opened its 2022 PBA Philippine Cup campaign on a triumphant note on Thursday night with a 94-81 win over Rain or Shine at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Robert Bolick led the way with 22 points spiked with six assists while Jamie Malonzo added a double-double of 18 points and 15 rebounds to help the Batang Pier overcome a manpower crisis while dropping the ElastoPainters to 1-1.
NorthPort enjoyed leads as big as 21 points despite missing center Greg Slaughter and stretch forward Troy Rike.
On tap for the Batang Pier is Terrafirma, which is reeling from a narrow Wednesday loss at the hands NLEX. The two clubs lock horns this Saturday also at the hilltop venue.
Rain or Shine, meanwhile, hopes to get back to its winning ways when it takes on crowd darling Barangay Ginebra Wednesday next week at Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The Scores:
NorthPort 94 – Bolick 22, Malonzo 18, Ferrer 15, Delac Cruz 10, Calma 9, Santos 8, Sumang 5, Balanza 4, Ayaay 3, Vigil 0, Apacible 0
Rain or Shine 81 – Nieto 19, Santillan 16, Asistio 14, Belga 10, Nambatac 6, Demusis 6, Ildefonso 5, Ponferrada 5, Torres 0, CLarito 0, Borboran 0, Caracut 0, Tolentino 0
Quarterscores: 20-11, 40-35, 71-54, 94-81