By Adrian Stewart Co

NorthPort Batang Pier cruised to its second straight win in the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup after taking down NLEX Road Warriors, 95-90, last night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Sean Anthony led the way with 22 points, nine rebounds, and five assists; while Moala Tautuaa and Robert Bolick added 18 and 14 points, respectively.

Batang Pier started strong and were up 32-25 on early conversions from Anthony and Tautuaa, but the Road Warriors clawed its way back behind JR Quiñahan to come to within 48-46 at the half.

The game was still tight through three quarters, with Batang Pier clinging to a 71-70 lead, before starting the fourth quarter strong behind Stanley Pringle and building an 81-75 edge.

The Road Warriors made its last push to come to as close as 89-87 but conversions from Robert Bolick, Anthony, and Tautuaa allowed Batang Pier to pull ahead 95-89.

John Paul Erram finished with 19 points for NLEX, while Quiñahan chipped in 18 markers./ASC, WDJ