By Adrian Stewart Co

Despite the absence of veteran players, NorthPort Batang Pier managed to score a 103-81 victory over the Alaska Aces last night in the 2019 PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Sean Anthony led the win with 22 points, including three outside hits; reinforcement Prince Ibeh had a double-double on 19 points and 13 rebounds, while Robert Bolick also scored 19 markers.
Batang Pier jumped to an early 28-18 lead on early hits from Anthony, Bolick, and Jonathan Grey but the Aces rallied to tie the score at 35-all before NorthPort built a 51-42 lead at the half on consecutive hits by Bolick.
Batang Pier increased its edge to 55-42 on another basket from Bolick but the Aces rallied to within single digits before the former pulled away anew at 81-69 on back-to-back treys from Anthony and Grey.
Alaska made its last push while down 81-72 before NorthPort went for the kill on shots from Bolick, Anthony, and Moala Tautuaa for its biggest lead of 103-79 on free throws by Juan Nicholas Elorde./ASC, WDJ