Friday, December 8, 2023

No ‘Venky,’ no problem as NorthPort upsets SMB

NorthPort pulled off a surprising victory against San Miguel Beer, securing a 115-101 win despite playing without their import Venkatesha Jois in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Arena on Friday.

Even without reinforcement Venkatesha “Venky” Jois, who was sidelined by injury, the Batang Pier led by as much as 15 against the Beermen.

NorthPort relied on its hot shooting night, with six of its players delivering at least two triples each.

Despite playing all-Filipino, NorthPort gave San Miguel a tough fight in the first quarter, leading by 29-22 on Arvin Tolentino’s lead.

Marcio Lassiter then began sniping from the outside, allowing the Beermen to tie the count at 36-all. Joshua Munzon and Prince Caperal fought back for the Batang Pier to reclaim a 47-44 upperhand.

NorthPort claimed a 55-48 halftime lead.

The Batang Pier continued its improved ball movement to dazzle the Beermen as Prince Caperal and Jeff Chan knocked down jumpers to keep NorthPort ahead, 69-63.

But San Miguel mounted a 7-3 exchange to cut the deficit, 71-70, midway through the third.

A 7-3 exchange capped by Jericho Cruz’s freebies cut NorthPort’s lead to 71-70; however, Batang Pier unloaded two massive runs to hike their advantage to 14 points, 89-75.

It has been all NorthPort since then.

The post No ‘Venky,’ no problem as NorthPort upsets SMB first appeared on Fastbreak.


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