NorthPort put an end to Converge’s remarkable winning run — and it became easier without import Quincy Miller.
The Batang Pier took care of business and snapped the FiberXers’ seven-game winning streak, coming away with a dominant 112-97 in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
William Navarro flirted with a triple-double performance as he set career highs in points, rebounds and assists, shattering the previous personal best he set just a few weeks ago.
Navarro finished with 29 points, 17 rebounds and nine assists as he led the Batang Pier in coming away came locked in to beat an import-less FiberXers squad.
It was the third straight victory posted by the Batang Pier, who now improved to 6-5 and firmed up their hold of the fifth spot in the standings.
The Batang Pier hope to end their elimination round campaign on a winning note against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel on 27 November as a victory will elevate the level of their confidence even more ahead of the playoffs.
Converge had proven in the past that it is capable of winning with an all-Filipino lineup, similar to what it did during its game against NLEX when it lost Miller a few minutes before the end of the first half after incurring a technical foul and a flagrant foul penalty 1.
Converge was able to beat NLEX, 108-84, on 5 November.
But the FiberXers didn’t show up with the same kind of energy against the Batang Pier.
The Scores:
NORTHPORT (112) — Navarro 29, Bolick 26, Ibeh 19, Tolentino 15, Sumang 9, Balanza 7, Ferrer 4, Ayaay 2, Chan 1, Caperal 0, Calma 0.
CONVERGE (97) — Melecio 10, Teng 14, Ahanmisi 11, Ilagan 11, Tratter 9, Stockton 8, Arana 8, Browne 6, Racal 6, DiGregorio 2, Bulanadi 2, Ambohot 0.
QUARTERS: 28-18, 52-49, 88-73, 112-97.
