NorthPort hit from afar to spark a second-quarter breakaway and pounced on San Miguel Beer all over the floor in sustaining the juggernaught in the final half en route to a surprise 121-88 rout of the all-Filipino champ in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum Wednesday night.
Robert Bolick, Nico Elorde and Sean Anthony combined for 4-of-5 three-pointers to highlight NorthPort's key tear in the second period, then the Batang Pier kept a relentless basketball to complete a big bounce-back from their 70-73 loss to the Barangay Ginebra Kings the last time out.
And NorthPort, thus, caught up with erstwhile solo leader Blackwater at 4-1, with earlier wins over Alaska Milk (103-81), NLEX (83-79) and TNT KaTropa (110-86).
NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio said San Miguel might still be on vacation mode but nonetheless mentioned the tremendous effort of his players.
"Nasaktan ang team sa talo last time at talagang gustong bumawi; nandyan na talaga ang character ng team," said Jarencio, crediting in particular the defensive stand of his team.
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"Remember, this is an import-laden tournament. Pero naili-limit namin ang kalaban in the 80s," Jarencio pointed out.
San Miguel was without two key players Chris Ross and Terrence Romeo but NorthPort was also crippled minus Stanley Pringle, Ryan Arana and Bradwin Guinto.
"May naramdaman na naman si Stanley, in-evaluate at in-advised siya na magpahinga na muna uli. Baka wala siya for one week," said Jarencio.
For the NorthPort bench chieftain, it's not a reason for them not to be able to compete.
"Maigsi ang rotation, pero ang importante sumunod kami sa game plan. Tonight, off night ang San Miguel; kami naman, sabi ko lang pagpasok sa court kailangan aggressive kami and we keep on attacking," said Jarencio.
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The Batang Pier attacked even the defense of Charles Rhodes whom they sent to foul-trouble situation right in the first half.
Rhodes picked up a fourth foul in the second period and grabbed only 12 rebounds although he still finished with a big output with 27 points.
Prince Ibeh had 18 points and 11 boards, and got all the needed support from his local teammates led by Bolick with 25 points, including three three-pointers.
Garvo Lanete and Jonathan Grey tossed in 16 apiece, Elorde and Moala Tautuaa drained 11 each while Sean Anthony contributed a double-double with 12 boards and 10 markers. (SB)
