Northport import Kevin Murphy leads Batang Pier to first win. –PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines–NorthPort finally took its first victory after a 0-6 start in the PBA Governors’ Cup when it took down skidding Terrafirma, 115-100, on Wednesday at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Batang Pier drew key contributions from rookie JM Calma and Joshua Munzon to backstop import Kevin Murphy and Robert Bolick as Bonnie Tan got a breakthrough win since he switched roles with team manager Pido Jarencio before the start of the conference.
“Just happy that we got this first win. Hopefully, there will be a next one,” said Tan, whose Batang Pier is still lagging in the race for bottom spots in the eight-team quarterfinals.
Calma produced 18 points and nine rebounds in a rare hike in performance, taking advantage of the passes made mostly by Roi Sumang to fall three shy of tying his season mark.
Munzon had perhaps his best game with the Batang Pier which came at the expense of his former team, scoring 17 points off the bench.
Murphy dropped 28 points while Bolick posted 26 points, nine rebounds, six assists and three steals for NorthPort.
The game also saw the conference debut of Arwind Santos, went scoreless in seven minutes, after being sidelined since the Commissioner’s Cup with a knee problem.
Terrafirma fell to 2-6 with a fourth straight defeat with import Jordan Williams limited to 25 points on 6-of-20 shooting.
WATCH: Northport coach Bonnie Tan and JM Calma after win against Terrafirma. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/el1tewljmJ
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) February 22, 2023
The scores:
NORTHPORT 115 — Murphy 28, Bolick 26, Calma 18, Munzon 17, Tolentino 9, Taha 7, Chan 5, Zamar 4, Sumang 1, Caperal 0, Balagasay 0, Santos 0, Vigil 0, Ayaay 0, Salado 0.
TERRAFIRMA 100 — Williams 25, Tiongson 18, Calvo 12, Camson 12, Gabayni 9, Cahilig 7, Ramos 7, Mina 3, Daquioag 3, Gomez de Liano 2, Alolino 2, Cabagnot 0, Grospe 0.
Quarters: 33-28, 61-47, 88-80, 115-100.