Jan 20, 2019

Sean Anthony shines as NorthPort subdues NLEX, 95-90

THE opposition may be getting Robert Bolick's number, even that of Stanley Pringle.

But they could still not solve the puzzle that is Sean Anthony.

With Anthony leading the way, NorthPort survived a hard-fighting NLEX crew, 95-90, Sunday to grab a share of the early lead in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Anthony came off the bench to finish with 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists while getting plenty of help, especially in the stretch, as the Batang Pier followed up their 117-91 win over Blackwater last Wednesday and joined idle Phoenix at the top of standings.

NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio said he rather expected such a performance from the Fil-Canadian workhorse who turns 33 on Saturday.

Sponsored content:
"Natural sa kanya iyon," said Jarencio. "Alam naman natin si Sean, laban lang ng laban. Me puso, me pride, palaban. Siya ang consistent sa amin ngayon. Sixth man nga namin, pero nag-deliver, nag-double double, tapos 'yung hustle di tumitigil."

Unlike in the Blackwater game, Mo Tautuaa stayed away from foul trouble this time and notched 18 points and 11 boards in helping make up for Bolick scoring only 14 points, 12 less than in his pro debut, and Stanley Pringle winding up with only 11 markers.

After missing only twice in his first game, Bolick shot 4-of-10 and also committed a game-worst seven turnovers. But he did boom in a triple that gave NorthPort an 89-85 lead. His last point of the game made it a 92-87 count.

Jarencio still praised his third overall pick in last month's rookie draft, pointing out the other things Bolick did which were not reflected in the stats sheet.

"Steady. Nakikinig, nag-iisip. Di lang sarili, buong team iniisip," said Jarencio. "Me mga X-factor na ginagawa, defending, hustle, me 3-point shot pa."

Sponsored content:
The likes of Nico Elorde and Paolo Taha also did their part by making some clutch shots of their own, helping keep NLEX at bay and pleasing Jarencio more.

"Total team effort. Players making big shots, Elorde big 3, Paolo Taha," noted Jarencio. "Everybody contributing."

Jarencio also said the win does more for their confidence than the standings. "Malayo pa pero kahit paano isang matibay-tibay na team na NLEX tinalo natin. Morale-booster para sa buong team."

Unlike in an 87-96 loss to Rain or Shine last Friday, NLEX stayed close this time but again could not find the needed finishing kick that could match NorthPort's.

John Paul Erram tried by scoring eight of his teamhigh 19 points in the fourth period before fouling out and so did JR Quinahan with 18 points.

Still, the Road Warriors' erratic game in the face of NorthPort's defense ultimately took its toll. Overall, NLEX committed a total 23 turnovers, which the Batang Pier translated into 12 points that kept them in control for most of the second half. (NC)

The scores:

NorthPort 95 - Anthony 22, Tautuaa 18, Bolick 14, Pringle 11, Taha 9, Elorde 8, Arana 4, Guinto 3, Flores 2, Lanete 2, Grey 2, Gabayni 0, Sollano 0.

NLEX 90 - Erram 19, Quinahan 18, Galanza 11, Paniamogan 10, Magat 8, Tallo 7, Fonacier 5, Baguio 4, Ighalo 2, Alas 2, Soyud 2, Porter 2, Taulava 0, Rios 0.

Quarters: 25-22, 48-46, 71-70, 95-90.