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| Mo Tautuaa paced the Batang Pier in their first win after four straight losses. PBA Media Group |
By Ivan Saldajeno
QUEZON CITY--NorthPort put an end to a long losing streak in the PBA Governors' Cup after trampling Phoenix, 80-70, at the Smart Araneta Coliseum on Saturday night.
The Batang Pier went to work defensively right in the first quarter, holding the Fuel Masters to just eight points before stretching their lead to as high as 14, 26-12, in the second quarter.
Phoenix slowly crawled back and even took a 61-60 lead with 9:11 left in the fourth quarter.
But NorthPort answered with an 8-0 run to finally pull away for good.
Mo Tautuaa made 16 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and one steal for the Batang Pier, who snapped a four-game slide and are now at 2-4.
Paolo Taha added 14 points on 6-of-8 shooting, three rebounds, and two assists.
Alex Mallari tallied 15 markers, six boards, two dimes, and one steal for the Fuel Masters, who slipped to 2-5.
Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno
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