NorthPort snaps eight-game losing skid, spoils NLEX' bid for top spot

NorthPort snapped its eight-game losing skid at the expense of NLEX, 113-108, on Wednesday in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.

The win also spoiled the Road Warriors' bid for the top spot of the standings.

After trailing 54-46 at the end of the first half, the Batang Pier erupted for 40 points in the third period and limited NLEX to just 18 to take an 86-76 lead by the end of the third period.

NorthPort was able to hold off NLEX until the latter made a late game rally, ignited by Robbie Herndon's 4-pointer at the 1:41 mark of the fourth period. The Batang Pier were leading 107-102 after that Herndon shot from NLEX, but the likes of Herndon and Enoch Valdez towed the Road Warriors to a 6-3 run to inch closer, 110-108.

Fran Yu's jumper than handed NorthPort enough margin before Herndon missed a shot from the four-point arc. Cade Flores then made a split from Enoch Valdez' foul to seal the victory.

Flores stuffed the stat sheet with 26 points, 15 rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Yu added 21 points as he waxed hot with five triples. Calvin Abueva also had 19 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and five steals.

Herndon had 21 points, while Robert Bolick and Brandon Ramirez had 16 points apiece for NLEX.

With the victory, already-ran NorthPort improve to 2-8 ahead of its final match against San Miguel, while playoff-bound NLEX slipped to 8-3 to end the elimination round.

Scores:

NorthPort 113 – Flores 26, Yu 21, Abueva 19, Munzon 8, Balanza 7, Nelle 7, Onwubere 6, Bulanadi 6, Nava 5, Jalalon 3, Taha 3, Cuntapay 2, Kwekuteye 0.

NLEX 108 – Herndon 21, Ramirez 16, Bolick 16, Policarpio 12, Alas 12, Bahio 11, Torres 11, Valdez 9, Amer 0.

Quarters: 22-30, 46-54, 86-76, 113-108.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News