NorthPort demolishes Alaska to set QF date with SMB

Robert Bolick's triple-double lifted the Batang Pier to the fifth seed. PBA Images

By Carl Santiago

MANILA—NorthPort rode behind a triple-double from Robert Bolick to maul Alaska, 122-94, in the final game of the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round on Thursday night at the Don Honorio Ventura State University Gym in Bacolor, Pampanga.

Bolick made 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 13 assists to lead the Batang Pier, who sealed the fifth seed in the quarterfinals and set a best-of-three series against the fourth-seeded San Miguel Beermen.

The Batang Pier and the Aces went toe-to-toe to start the first period, but with under 3 and a half minutes remaining in the quarter, Paolo Taha found a way to score three straight baskets to begin the Batang Pier's breakaway, eventually leading by eight, 28-20 at the end of the first 12 minutes.

Batang Pier didn’t let the lead fade away, leading by as much as 29 points before settling for the 28-point winning margin.

The Batang Pier's win saved Barangay Ginebra from getting eliminated from the playoffs.

Ginebra, however, will face Phoenix on Saturday night to determine which team will complete the quarterfinal cast.

With a report from Ivan Saldajeno.

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