ANTIPOLO City - NorthPort proved it's more than just a Stanley Pringle team after demolishing Alaska, 103-81, even in the absence of its top gunner on Wednesday night.
Sean Anthony had another all-around game, while Robert Bolick and import Prince Ibeh delivered to make up for the absence of the injured Pringle for the Batang Pier, who debuted in style in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center here.
Pringle, who led the team in scoring last season, sat out the game after undergoing operation to remove bone spurs on his feet during the season break.
But in his absence, Anthony came through with a game-high 22 points and Bolick and Ibeh 19 each to steer the Batang Pier to the 22-point blowout win.
"Without Stanley Pringle, siguro na-challenge lahat ng players na kailangan they have to do their share," said winning coach Pido Jarencio.
Sponsored content:
"Hindi puwedeng sama-sama lang. Kailangan tumulong ka sa team."
Besides Pringle, NorthPort also played minus Garvo Lanete (sprain ankle) and Bradwyn Guinto (knee operation).
However, Pringle is good to go in the team's next game against NLEX on Saturday, according to Jarencio.
"Stanley is ready na for Saturday's game. Galing sa opera yun pero recovering na. OK na siya For sure he will play on Saturday," said the Batang Pier coach.
Mo Tautuaa also joined the fray to help fill the Batang Pier fill up the void left by Pringle.
Sponsored content:
The Fil-Tongan finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, and six assists, while trying to contain Alaska import Chris Daniels.
Anthony had six rebounds and four assists while shooting 3-of-6 from three-point range, while Ibeh added 13 rebounds, three steals, and two block shots while playing a total of 40 minutes.
The Batang Pier led by as many as many as 24 points.
Daniels had 21 points and 13 rebounds in a losing cause for Alaska, which led only once early in the first quarter and then played catch-up against NorthPort the rest of the way.
Simon Enciso and rookie Jesper Ayaay had 10 each for the Aces, which won their opening day game last Sunday against Columbian Dyip, 111-98. (RG)
The scores
NorthPort (103) - Anthony 22, Bolick 19, Ibeh 19, Grey 13, Tautuaa 12, Taha 9, Elorde 5, Arana 4, Flores 0.
Alaska (81) - Daniels 21, Enciso 10, Ayaay 10, Cruz 9, Casio 8, Baclao 7, Exciminiano 6, Thoss 4, Teng 2, Pascual 2, Racal 2, Galliguez 0, Babilonia 0.
Quarterscores: 28-21; 51-42; 75-66; 103-81.
