Kevin Murphy. PBA IMAGES
MANILA, Philippines-NorthPort stayed alive in the chase for the last quarterfinals berth after eliminating a handicapped Rain or Shine squad that once again played without an import, 113-97, on Saturday in the PBA Governors’ Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Import Kevin Murphy hit a franchise-record 10 three-pointers on his way to 39 points while role player Paul Zamar fired a career-high 20 points as the Batang Pier claimed their third victory in 10 games at the expense of the all-Filipino Elasto Painters.
“There’s actually more pressure for us to win against a team without an import,” said coach Bonnie Tan in Filipino. “At least that we were able to pull it through in this game.”
Tan’s side moved a game behind Phoenix for eighth place, with the latter staking its 4-6 record the following day against Meralco at the same venue.
Phoenix needs to beat Meralco to complete the quarterfinal cast but a loss will keep NorthPort alive going into its last elims match against pacesetter TNT on March 15.
Rain or Shine became the second team to miss out on a quarters seat after falling to 2-8 with a fourth straight loss.
The Elasto Painters elected not to field an import for the second straight game after Jordan Tolbert exceeded the maximum height limit of 6-foot-6 before its loss to Phoenix last Wednesday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Four Rain or Shine players scored in double figures with Santi Santillan putting up 17 along with seven rebounds.
The Scores:
NORTHPORT 113 — Murphy 39, Zamar 20, Bolick 11, Calma 11, Santos 10, Chan 8, Salado 5, Taha 2, Balagasay 2, Munzon 2, Ayaay 0.
RAIN OR SHINE 97 — Santillan 17, Asistio 14, Demusis 14, Mamuyac 12, Caracut 8, Norwood 7, Borboran 7, Nambatac 5, Torres 5, Belga 5, Ponferrada 1, Ildefonso 0, Clarito 0.
Quarters: 28-23, 53-52, 80-77, 113-97.