PBA: Robert Bolick hits winner as NorthPort downs Phoenix

NorthPort guard Robert Bolick. PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—Robert Bolick knocked down a three-point shot in the dying seconds as NorthPort edged Phoenix, 92-89, on Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Mall of Asia Arena.

Bolick scored with 12.0 seconds left before the Batang Pier thwarted the Fuel Masters’ overtime bid to begin the midseason conference on a bright note.

NorthPort, with Bolick finishing with 21 points, won a day after sending sophomore forward Jamie Malonzo to Barangay Ginebra as part of a three-team trade also participated by San Miguel Beer.

Arvin Tolentino, one of the players acquired from Ginebra, had 16 points, six rebounds and seven assists in his Batang Pier debut.

The Batang Pier bucked being down for most of the way along with the loss of import Prince Ibeh, who fouled out late in the contest. The returning reinforcement had 19 points and 15 boards.

Phoenix tried to tie the count twice after Bolick’s corner trey but rookie Tyler Tio muffed both tries.

The Fuel Masters played for the first time since Matthew Wright signed with Japanese club Kyoto Hannaryz and Jason Perkins undergoing surgery.

Javee Mocon finished with 24 points for Phoenix while import Kaleb Wesson produced 14 points, 15 rebounds and seven assists.

The scores:

NORTHPORT 92 — Bolick 21, Ibeh 19, Tolentino 16, Sumang 15, Santos 10, Balanza 6, Ferrer 3, Salado 2, Dela Cruz 0, Chan 0, Calma 0, Taha 0.

PHOENIX 89 — Mocon 24, Wesson 14, Serrano 10, Tio 10, Jazul 7, Camacho 7, Muyang 6, Lalata 4, Garcia 4, Rios 3, Lojera 0, Adamos 0, Robles 0.

Quarters: 12-28, 37-37, 61-65, 92-89.