Bolick stars as streaking NorthPort sends Blackwater reeling to 28th straight loss

NorthPort continued to prove it deserves a seat in the playoff bus. But its latest victory didn't come easy, even against the winless Blackwater.

The Batang Pier cruised to their fourth win in a row after thrashing the gritty Bossing, 116-103, in the 2021 PBA Governors' Cup on Wednesday in the league's return at the historic Araneta Coliseum.

The comebacking Robert Bolick, who recently reinforced Gilas Pilipinas, led the locals with 30 points, including a basket that pushed their lead to 81-71 in the third, to go along with 11 rebounds and six assists.

After that driving layup from the Gilas guard, NorthPort ignited for a 14-4 run, highlighted by back-to-back triples from Bolick and Jamie Malonzo, for a 20-point cushion at the end of third canto, 95-75.

Blackwater, though, came roaring in the payoff period.

Paul Desiderio drilled seven points to fuel a 16-4 rampage and cut their deficit to just eight midway through the quarter, 91-99. But NorthPort held on, bringing their advantage to 16, 111-95.

Bolick then put the icing on the cake with back-to-back baskets for a 116-101 upper hand followed by a last-gasp layup from blackwater import Shawn Glover.

Aside from Bolick, also pivotal for NorthPort were Jamel Artis who flirted with a double-double of 26 points, nine assists, and five rebounds. Veteran swingman Arwind Santos added 21 markers and 13 boards as they improved to 4-5.

The loss spoiled a breakout performance from Glover, whose 47 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and a steal went for naught as Blackwater has yet to barge into the win column.

Blackwater will remain winless in nine games and will endure its record 28th straight loss dating back to the 2020 Philippine Cup. — LA, GMA News

The Scores:

NorthPort 116 - Bolcik 30, Artis 26, Santos 21, Malonzo 16, Balanza 10, Taha 9, Doliguez 2, Rike 2, Ferrer 0.

Blackwater 103 - Glover 47, Desiderio 17, Casio 13, Mccarthy 11, Paras 6, Amer 5,Melton 3,  Ebona 1, Washington 0, Suerte 0, Amboludto 0, Escoto 0, Ayonayon 0, Baloria 0.

Quarters: 35-28, 66-54, 95-75, 116-103.