PBA

Lanete, Bolick lead way as NorthPort sinks Terrafirma

The duo of Garvo Lanete and Robert Bolick took care of business in NorthPort's lopsided 104-84 win over Terrafirma as they notched back-to-back wins in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup Saturday at the DHSVU Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Lanete provided a spark off the bench to produce 18 points, including three triples in the third quarter, to go with four rebounds and an assist as the Batang Pier improved to 3-3 halfway through the eliminations.

Bolick was also on target, carving out 15 markers, six boards, and eight dimes while rookie Jamie Malonzo gave them a huge boost, unleashing 14 points.

The Dyip, who are on a two-game losing skid for a 3-6 card, were led by Roosevelt Adams and Aldrech Ramos who each finished with 14 points.

"Again, it's all coach Pido's (Jarencio) system. We didn't change anything and we're just dedicating every game to our coaches we left in Manila," said interim coach Bonnie Tan as NorthPort's coaching staff remains in quarantine.

"We just want to enjoy every game since the schedule is very compact. We want to take it one game at a time."

NorthPort was dealt a major blow early in the game when Greg Slaughter was ejected from the game after being whistled for a flagrant foul penalty two following an inadvertent hit on Adams at the 8:19 mark of the second quarter.

Ironically, that incident awakened the Batang Pier.

NorthPort was only leading by eight, 30-22, when Slaughter was thrown out of the court but Bolick drained eight points to lead a quick 13-7 run, 43-29.

Malonzo then put on a dunk show after throwing down three baskets as NorthPort went into halftime with an 18-point cushion, 55-37.

Lanete came up big in the third period, knocking down three triples and a drive to the basket to extend their lead to 79-54 and Terrafirma, who had recently scored big wins over San Miguel and Ginebra, never closed the gap from that point.

"We just want to have fun. We knew Greg Slaughter was out and we had to step out," said Malonzo.

The Batang Pier, though, will have to fight fatigue as they will return on the court immediately on Sunday against the NLEX Road Warriors.

The scores:

NorthPort (104) - Lanete 18, Bolick 15, Malonzo 14, Onwubere 10, Elorde 9, Taha 8, Rike 6, Faundo 6, Ferrer 5, Anthony 4, Subido 3, Balanza 2, Grey 2, Slaughter 2, Doliguez 0.

Terrafirma (84) - Adams 14, Ramos 14, Batiller 11, Ganuelas-Rosser 9, Tiongson 9, McCarthy 8, Camson 7, Calvo 6, Gabayni 3, Laput 2, Celda 1.

Quarter scores: 22-12, 55-37, 84-62, 104-84.

—JMB, GMA News