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A basketball player hands Magnolia their first loss in PBA Governors' Cup.

Northport hands Magnolia first loss in PBA Governors’ Cup




The undermanned Northport Batang Pier played with an incredible heart as they handed the league-leading Magnolia Hotshots their first loss of the PBA Governors’ Cup, 103-101, on Thursday night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.

Import Jamel Artis was unstoppable all game long, scoring 42 points, grabbing nine rebounds, and issuing eight assists. Playing all 48 minutes, Artis got some help from Arwind Santos and Jamie Malonzo to keep Magnolia at bay in the game’s dying moments and hand the Hotshots their first loss in seven games.

The Batang Pier have now won two straight games, its wins coming against the top two teams in this tournament. More impressive is the fact that Northport won without star guard Robert Bolick, who is with the Gilas Pilipinas right now to play in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers. The Batang Pier also played without Kevin Ferrer who is sidelined with an injury.

“This win is for the players. They did their work today. Talagang puso at hardwork. Trabaho talaga,” commented NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio.

“And then, I challenged them na this is the time to shine. Wala ‘yung ibang players at kalaban namin Magnolia. Kaya sabi ko sa kanila, make or break ito.”

The win did not come on a silver platter for the Batang Pier as the Hotshots stormed back from a 52-71 deficit and even had a shot to win the game but ace guard Paul Lee bricked the potential game-winning three-pointer right before time expired.

Jamie Malonzo added 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, two steals, and two blocks. He also canned two free-throws with 18 seconds left to help them lead, 102-99. Magnolia import Mike Harris responded with two freebies of his own, while Artis split his for a 103-101 lead.

Veteran forward Arwind Santos chipped in 14 points, eight boards, and four blocks while Roi Sumang put up 10.

Harris produced 34 points and 12 rebounds while Mark Barroca added 16 points, eight assists, five rebounds, and five steals.

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