By Adrian Stewart Co

NorthPort Batang Pier leaned on a strong second quarter rampage to wallop Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters, 115-79, in the 2021 PBA Philippine Cup at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig City yesterday.

Robert Bolick had a near triple-double showing of 20 points, 11 assists and seven rebounds, while rookie Troy Rike and Kevin Ferrer submitted 20 markers apiece for the Batang Pier.

Rookie Jamie Malonzo and Sidney Onwubere also made their presence felt for NorthPort with 15 markers each, while Ilonggo guard Juan Paolo Taha added 12 points.

The Batang Pier notched its maiden win in two games despite the absence of Gregory Slaughter, who is being rumored to heading to San Miguel Beermen, and Sean Anthony, who is nursing an injury.

With the score tied at 12-all, the Batang Pier surged to a 20-14 edge on back-to-back triples by Ferrer and Jerrick Balanza. The Fuel Masters went on a late rally to come to within 18-22.

The Batang Pier started strong in the second period on baskets from Ferrer, Malonzo and Rike for a 39-20 lead. The Fuel Masters rallied to within 31-45 but five straight points by Ferrer gave NorthPort a 50-31 edge.

NorthPort continued its rampage in the second half behind conversions by Onwubere, Rike, Malonzo and Bolick as the lead reached its largest at 36 points in the fourth period.

Vic Manuel tallied 26 points, while Matthew Wright and Jason Perkins contributed 15 and 12 points, respectively, as the Fuel Masters suffered its second defeat in as many games.

BOX SCORE:

NORTHPORT 115 – Bolick 20, Rike 20, Ferrer 20, Onwubere 15, Malonzo 15, Taha 12, Elorde 6, Faundo 4, Balanza 3, Doliguez 0, Subido 0, Grey 0.

PHOENIX 79 – Manuel 26, Wright 15, Perkins 12, Jazul 8, Garcia 6, Melecio 4, Demusis 2, Chua 2, Rios 2, Pascual 2, Tamsi 0, Muyang 0, Napoles 0, Faundo 0, Calisaan 0.

Quarterscores: 22-18, 50-31, 79-51, 115-79./ASC, WDJ