NorthPort finally notches win, hands Meralco 1st loss in PBA Govs' Cup

Jamel Artis impressed for the Batang Pier in their first win. PBA Images
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Down goes one of the two remaining unbeaten teams in the PBA Governors' Cup entering this week.

Interestingly enough, it's against one of the two remaining winless clubs entering this week too.

NorthPort finally entered the win column in the season-ending conference, putting a dent in Meralco's sizzling start with a 109-98 victory on Thursday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City.

With Robert Bolick back in action after re-signing with the team, the Batang Pier snapped a five-game losing streak to begin the Governors' Cup with a win that is crucial for them if they want to make a last dash to the quarterfinals.

The Bolts stomped their dominance early on, burying the Batang Pier to an 18-32 hole to end the first quarter.

NorthPort, however, responded with a 29-18 second quarter and completed the comeback with a 34-14 third quarter as Meralco could not recover from there.

Jamel Artis led the Batang Pier with 26 points on 8-of-13 field goals, eight rebounds, four assists, and three steals.

Bolick added 22 markers, seven boards, six dimes, and three swipes, while Arwind Santos had a double-double of 16 points and 10 caroms with three assists and two blocks.

Tony Bishop led Meralco, which fell to 4-1, with 34 points, 16 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, while Chris Banchero added 23 markers, two boards, and four dimes.

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