Batang Pier snaps slump, scrapes past Elasto Painters in OT

 

Greg Slaughter scored a double-double as NorthPort survives Rain Or Shine Sunday. PBA Media Bureau 

By Ricky Manliguis

MANILA-- NorthPort endure a stubborn stand by Rain Or Shine to carve out a 91-88 overtime win in the first game of Sunday action in the PBA Philippine Cup at the Don Honorio Ventura State University gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Greg Slaughter and Robert Bolick joined forces in the extra session as the Batang Pier snapped its two-game losing skid, for an even 5-5 card, tied with idle NLEX. 

The win also was the team's bounce back after its stunning 89-90 loss to Magnolia two days ago.

Slaughter finished with a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds, while swatting six shots. Bolick canned in 24 markers with six rebounds and seven assists. 

Slaughter broke an 84-all standoff with a layup, while Bolick fired a jumper to make it 88-84 with 1:40 left. Rain Or Shine fought back to within 90-88 on Beau Belga's free throws. 

James Yap bungled his three free throws before Kevin Ferrer split his charities for 91-88 with two seconds left. 

Gabe Norwood had a chance to send the game into the second overtime for ROS, but his triple was foiled by Slaughter at the horn. 

“For me, it’s a total team effort. As professionals as they are, they just played hard. They want to win – Greg, Robert, and the rest of the guy hanggang sa dulo ng mga players, even the staff are cheering,” said NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio. 

"They really want this win. We want to get back on track again," he added.

The fiery mentor, who won his first game in the semi-bubble, also clapped back at his critics after the Magnolia setback. 

“Kaya kayong mga haters at bashers ko, bahala na ang Diyos sa inyo. I love you all,” said Jarencio.

Rain Or Shine finished its elimination round campaign at 6-5. Jewel Ponferada and Belga were the only double-digit providers with 17 and 11 markers, respectively. 

The Scores :

NORTHPORT 91 – Slaughter 25, Bolick 24, Anthony 9, Malonzo 8 , Elorde 7, Lanete 6, Grey 4, Ferrer 4, Onwubere 3, Rike 1, Balanza 0, Doliguez 0

RAIN OR SHINE 88 – Ponferada 17, Belga 11, Santillan 9, Yap 9, Mocon 8, Torres 8, Borboran 8, Nambatac 6, Asistio 5, Caracut 2, Norwood 3, Guinto 2, Wong 0

Quarterscores : 27-16, 42-37, 65-60, 80-80, 91-88

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