The league-leading NLEX Road Warriors bowed to the NorthPort Batang Pier, 102-94, in the 2019 Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, yesterday.
The Road Warriors actually had nothing to lose. Despite the loss to NorthPort the Road Warriors (8 wins, 2 losses) remained at the top of the standings in a tie with the Meralco Bolts (8-2).
With the victory NorthPort (4 wins, 6 losses) climbed into a tie at seventh and eighth place with the Columbian Dyip (4-6).
The top eight teams advance to the quarterfinals while the bottom four teams are eliminated. Additionally, the top four teams hold a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals.
NLEX, already with eight wins, are already assured of a top four finish regardless of the result of the game against NorthPort.
Christian Standhardinger played like an import and finished 23 points and 19 rebounds to win Player of the Game honors.
The Batang Pier, trailing early, took control of the game in the third. NorthPort held a slim, 81-78, advantage after three quarters.
Mike Qualls drilled a three-pointer followed by a scoreless spell by both teams. Qualls added two more free throws as the Batang Pier extended their lead to 11 points, 98-87, to seal the result of the match with just two minutes left to play.
The other teams are TNT KaTropa (7-2), Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (6-3), the San Miguel Beermen (6-4), the Magnolia Hotshots Pambansang Manok (5-5),
Bringing up the rear are the Alaska Aces (3-6), the Rain or Shine ElastoPainters (3-7), Phoenix Pulse Fuelmasters (2-7) and the Blackwater Elite (2-8).
The scores:
NorthPort Batang Pier 102—Mike Qualls 36, Christian Standhardinger 23, Sean Anthony 19, Kevin Ferrer 9, Nico Elorde 7, Paolo Taha 4, Garo Lanete 2, Sol Mercado 2, Jerramy King 0, Russel Escoto 0.
NLEX Road Warriors 94—Manny Harris 34, Kiefer Ravena 16, JR Quinahan 10, Poy Erram 7, Jervy Cruz 7, Larry Fonacier 6, Michael Miranda 5, Philip Paniamogan 4, Asi Taulava 3, Raul Soyud 2, Kevin Alas 0, Kenneth Ighalo 0.
Quarter scores: 25-28, 43-51, 81-78, 102-94.
