NORTHPORT continued its resurgence in the PBA Governors' Cup and took care of business in a 101-93 disposal of skidding Phoenix Super LPG Saturday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
Riding the crest of back-to-back upsets of previously unbeaten squads Meralco and Magnolia, the rejuvenated Batang Pier put in the hard work against the Fuel Masters to emerge victorious and bolster their quarterfinal drive.
With three consecutive wins now after a 0-5 start, Coach Pido Jarencio's undermanned but mentally-strong wards jumped up to No. 9 just behind Phoenix's 4-5.
"Yung fighting heart andun at yung will to win talagang andun," said Jarencio.
"Actually talagang naka-set na yung mga players; alam na nila roles nila, alam nila kung kelan papasok. Pero ang main concern ko andaming injured na but at least a win is a win, tumaas na kami sa standing, may chance na kami for the playoffs."
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Jamel Artis produced 29 points, six rebounds and three assists as he played without relief for 48 full minutes for the second time in three days.
Paolo Taha chipped in 19, stepping up in the absence of Robert Bolick (Gilas Pilipinas duty) and Kevin Ferrer (injury) and early exit of Roi Sumang, who hurt his hamstring in the second quarter.
Arwind Santos (15), Jamie Malonzo (13 with 16 rebounds) and Jerrick Balanza (12) also turned in double-digit production against Phoenix, which was led by Dominique Sutton's 23-12 and Matthew Wright's 19-5-6.
The Batang Pier got things started with a 12-5 salvo in the second, which allowed them to seize their first big lead, 42-31. They stretched this to 65-53 in the third then fended off Phoenix's fightback towards the finish.
"Sabi ko sa kanila ito yung make-or-break game natin kung papasok tayo sa playoffs kasi manalo tayo, at least meron tayong pondo then we get another two or three wins para sa playoff," said Jarencio.(OL)
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The Scores:
NorthPort 101- Artis 29, Taha 19, Santos 15, Malonzo 13, Balanza 12, Rike 5, Doliguez 4, Sumang 2, Subido 2, Abundo 0.
Phoenix 93 - Sutton 23, Wright 22, Jazul 20, Perkins 12, Manganti 8, Melecio 4, Demusis 2, Camacho 2, Garcia 0, Pascual 0, Rios 0, Robles 0, Porter 0.
Quarterscores: 23-18, 50-43, 81-70, 101-93.
