By Adrian Stewart Co

Columbian Dyip handed NorthPort Batang Pier its first defeat in the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup after a come-from-behind 110-100 win last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Jeepy Faundo, Jackson Corpuz, and Reden Celda finished with 15 points apiece; while Rashawn McCarthy offered a double-double with 14 points and 12 assists for the Dyip.

Trailing by as much as 10 points early in the third period, the Dyip slowly clawed back behind Jay-R Reyes, Eric Camson, and Faundo to seize an 81-77 lead on five straight points from McCarthy.

The Dyip widened their advantage to 91-79 at the onset of the fourth period following a triple by Celda. However, Batang Pier later trimmed the deficit to 96-91 on a three-pointer by Stanley Pringle.

The Dyip quickly put an end to Batang Pier’s run with four straight points from Corpuz and Negrense John Paul Calvo each, resulting in their largest lead of 105-91. Batang Pier made its last push but could only come to as close as 10 points.

Pringle led Batang Pier with 28 points, while Moala Tautuaa and Sean Anthony added 23 and 19 markers, respectively./ASC, WDJ