PBA: JM Calma breaks out of slump to lead NorthPort

NorthPort Batang Pier’s JM Calma.–PBA IMAGES

MANILA, Philippines—NorthPort forward JM Calma bounced back after a string of subpar games, sparking the Batang Pier’s 90-85 win over the Meralco Bolts on Sunday in the PBA Philippine Cup at Araneta Coliseum.

After scoring just two points in the Batang Pier’s 124-120 win over Phoenix a few days ago, Calma showed why he deserved to be in Northport’s rotation on Sunday with 16 points and eight rebounds.

“The points, those will come naturally. What my coaches always tell me is to rebound and set good screens. Their trust in me is there,” said Calma in Filipino.

“I’ve been having bad starts for the past three games, I could barely do anything. This is our last game before the break so I guess my hard work can be seen now, somehow.”

The San Sebastian product was efficient from the field shooting 70 percent in NorthPort’s third straight victory after losing their opening game against NLEX.

Calma was also instrumental on defense, helping the Batang Pier force Meralco to 25 turnovers.

Calma took on the challenge of defending Meralco’s veteran center Raymond Almazan.

“I just went with my perseverance on defense and I’m a bit quicker than him. The quickness and aggressiveness, I just let that show,” said Calma.

But if matchups are all we’re talking about, the 2021 PBA draft pick has only one person in mind.

“I want to guard Kuya June Mar (Fajardo). That’s if I would be given the opportunity to do so but he’s injured right now. Get well soon, idol. I really want to play [against him].”

Calma, though, will have to wait a little longer before facing the seven-time PBA MVP when Northport takes on San Miguel on April 21 at Philsports Arena.

For now, the Batang Pier will head to the All-Star break with a 3-1 record.