By Adrian Stewart Co

NorthPort Batang Pier clinched a berth in the 2019 Honda PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals after edging past Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, 100-97, last Wednesday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Robert Bolick drained a go-ahead three-pointer to surge Batang Pier ahead, 98-97, with under a minute left. This was followed up by Stanley Pringle, who canned two free throws to seal the victory.

Bolick finished the game with 24 points, while Sean Anthony and Moala Tautuaa scored 19 and 14 markers, respectively.

It was a seesaw battle in the first two quarters with the Batang Pier pulling ahead 47-45 before creating distance in the second half on efforts by Bolick, and building to their widest lead of eight points.

Barangay Ginebra turned to their seldom-used players to claw its way back, taking a 97-95 lead on a jumper by Jervy Cruz.

Batang Pier then went on a 5-0 run to clinch its third straight win.

Barangay Ginebra is currently battling the Magnolia Hotshots in their quarterfinal, while Batang Pier next faces the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters./ASC, WDJ