NorthPort got a much-needed boost from its new acquisitions and clobbered Blackwater, 127-99, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Acquired in a deal that sent former NorthPort star Stanley Pringle to Ginebra, Sol Mercado, Kevin Ferrer, and Jervy Cruz were quick to make an impact for the injury-depleted Batang Pier.
NorthPort got a much-needed boost from its new acquisitions and clobbered Blackwater, 127-99, in the PBA Commissioner's Cup on Saturday at the Cuneta Astrodome.
Acquired in a deal that sent former NorthPort star Stanley Pringle to Ginebra, Sol Mercado, Kevin Ferrer, and Jervy Cruz were quick to make an impact for the injury-depleted Batang Pier.
Ferrer, who started for NorthPort, looked more comfortable playing for former college coach in Batang Pier mentor Pido Jarencio. The lanky swingman didn't show signs that he was still adjusting as he seemingly knew where to go for a clean look.
He knocked down five three-pointers on his way to team-high 23 points, including 19 in the fourth period.
Also a former UST cager under Jarencio, Jervy Cruz made his presence felt down low, scoring 16 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Mercado added 14 points.
"They were really a big help. All I wanted was for them to regain their confidence," said Jarencio, whose team led by as many as 36 points.
Playing without an import for the second game, Blackwater struggled to bunch together some points and absorbed their second straight loss for a 4-3 win-loss record.
Bobby Ray Parks paced Blackwater with 25 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists.
"They didn't have an import. We just took advantage of that," Jarencio said. "We dominated the rebounding department, we're making our shots, we were able to run in transition.
"But hats off to Blackwater. They still put up a good fight despite that."
THE SCORES
NorthPort 127 - Ferrer 23, Anthony 22, Bolick 16, Cruz 16, Mercado 14, Ibeh 10, Taha 10, Tautuaa 8, Lanete 8, Gabayni 0.
Blackwater 99 - Parks 25, Al-Hussaini 16, Digregorio 10, Maliksi 10, Belo 10, Tratter 6, Alolino 5, Sumang 5, Desiderio 5, Javier 4, Salem 3, Cortez 0, Sena 0, Jose 0.
Quarterscores: 29-21, 54-39, 86-65, 127-99
EXTRA DRIBBLES
-Jameel McKay, who will replace Alex Stepheson, sat on the bench of Blackwater but was in street clothes. He didn't get the FIBA clearance in time for the game but team officials said he will be able to suit up next game.
-Robert Bolick was a rebound shy of a triple double output. He finished with 16 points and 10 assists.
NEXT GAMES
NorthPort - vs Phoenix on June 26 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum
Blackwater - vs Magnolia on July 5 at the Mall of Asia Arena