Despite the absence of key player Stanley Pringle due to injury, Northport Batang Pier still proved to be a powerhouse after dominating the Alaska Aces, 103-81, during their first game of the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center last Wednesday, May 22.
Sean Anthony led the way for Northport at 22 points, followed by Robert Bolick who contributed 19 points. Prince Ibeh also had a huge game with 19 points, 13 rebounds, three steals, and two blocks, while Jonathan Grey and Moala Tautuaa chipped 13 and 12 respectively. For the Aces, it was Chris Daniels that had a double-double at 21 points and 13 rebounds, while MJ Ayaay and Simon Enciso both had 10 individually. However, the Aces in search of a second win of the season was triumphed over Northport leading by as much as 24 points at one time of the game.
NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio evaluated his team’s performance after the game, stating in a mix of English and Filipino, “We just played 48 minutes of good basketball. I told them, since last year and last conference, we only played well until the third quarter. Once we got to the fourth quarter, we are not executing, we are not playing defense.” He commented on his missing players, which besides Pringle included Garvo Lanete and Bradwyn Guinto, saying, “Without Stanley Pringle, all the other players probably were challenged to do their share. We can’t just ride along what’s happening. You have to help the team.”
Anthony, who was hailed Player of the Game, also chipped, “Credit to the guys for stepping up in the absence of Stanley Pringle. We have a quick turnaround till our next game and hopefully, we clean some things up in our game.”
Northport is facing the NLEX Road Warriors next on Saturday, May 25 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, while Alaska will try to redeem themselves on the same day against the TNT KaTropa.