PBA

NorthPort makes it rain against Phoenix to grab first win

NorthPort barged into the win column with a huge victory over Phoenix Super LPG, 115-79, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena, Pasig City.

The quintet of Kevin Ferrer, Troy Rike, Robert Bolick, Jamie Malonzo, and Sidney Onwubere scored in double digits as the Batang Pier bounced back from a dismal opening day loss against Meralco.

Ferrer led the offensive charge with 20 points along with nine rebounds while rookie Rike and the returning Bolick also had 20 apiece.

Second overall pick Malonzo and recently-acquired Onwubere contributed 15  points each, with the latter also adding nine boards and five assists.

The Batang Pier finished the first half leading by 19 points and the wards of head coach Pido Jarencio continued their hot-shooting in the second half.

They outscored the Fuel Masters, 29-20, in the third canto to build a 79-51 cushion.

The Batang Pier, who was playing minus big man Greg Slaughter, then exploded for 36 points in the payoff period off five three-pointers from Bolick, Rike, and Onwibere to seal the win.

Vic Manuel and Matthew Wright carried Phoenix as they chipped in 26 and 15 points, respectively. Jason Perkins added 12 along with seven rebounds.

NorthPort improves to 1-1 in the standings while Phoenix is at 0-2.

—MGP, GMA News