PBA: NorthPort blows past NLEX to bolster quarterfinal chances

NorthPort Batang Pier’s Robet Bolick. –PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort snapped a three-game skid with a 107-94 victory over NLEX on Wednesday and gained ground in the quarterfinal race of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Robert Bolick, William Navarro and import Prince Ibeh came through as the Batang Pier rolled past the Road Warriors to go 4-5 and overtake the San Miguel Beermen for eighth spot in the standings.

“I hope we can keep on winning because all of our remaining games are crucial,” coach Pido Jarencio said in Filipino as NorthPort looks to secure a top eight position by the end of the eliminations.

NorthPort’s final three eliminations matches are against lowly Terrafirma (Nov. 12), red-hot Converge (Nov. 20) and Barangay Ginebra (Nov. 27).

Bolick scored 33 points with 12 rebounds and seven assists during the contest that saw NorthPort lead by as much as 24.

Navarro finally won in his third PBA game after posting 17 points, 13 rebounds, seven assists and two steals while Ibeh had 22 points, 17 rebounds and six blocks.

Another spark was guard Roi Sumang, who came up with 11 points and five assists off the bench.

NLEX fell to 10th place at 3-5 with its third consecutive defeat and fourth in five games since Frankie Lim officially took over as coach.

Import Earl Clark produced 29 points, 15 rebounds, six assists and two steals for the Road Warriors.

The scores:

NORTHPORT 107 — Bolick 33, Ibeh 22, Navaro 17, Chan 12, Sumang 11, Tolentino 10, Calma 2, Balanza 0, Caperal 0, Ferrer 0.

NLEX 94 — Clark 29, Alas 18, Rosales 9, Chua 8, Miranda 7, Ganuelas-Rosser 6, Paniamogan 6, Celda 5, Ighalo 3, Magat 3, Taulava 0, Varilla 0.

Quarters: 23-13, 49-36, 80-68, 107-94.