NorthPort hands Converge 6th straight loss

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CONVERGE import Tom Vodanovich had problems with consistency and lack of scoring punch.

Replacing him with a former NBA player could have fanned the team’s campaign if it happened earlier–new reinforcement Jamil Wilson proved the FiberXers could rely on him on the offensive end, at least last night.

But the bigger Converge woe? It could be a case of too little, too late.

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NorthPort subdued Converge 111-95 for its second straight win in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.

The Batang Pier, except for allowing the FiberXers to show some resistance in the third quarter, were simply too good and too strong for their foes in scoring a big follow up to a 128-123 overtime triumph over the TNT Tropang Giga six days ago and moving up to 4-2 in the season-opening tilt.

Mirroring its first five outings that ended in losses, counting a sorry 98-99 defeat at the hands of Phoenix last Saturday, local support spelled doom for Converge which dropped to 0-6 and on the brink.

Just like their opponents who are fielding a young squad, NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan got the best from his young guns.

“I’m happy right now na at least, sa last two games namin, they’re playing well,” Tan, who drew a game-highs of 39 points and 21 rebounds, and six assists from import Venky Jois, said. “Nakaka-sabay na sila sa other veteran guards sa league natin.

“We challenged lang our guards to step up, and good things happen, like right now, na-control namin iyong game,” he added.

Arvin Tolentino added 18 markers and three boards, while rookie Cade Flores had 13 and 13 for the Batang Pier.

Joshua Munzon and another freshman in Fran Yu also chipped in 12 and 11 points, respectively for NorthPort.

The Batang Pier raced to a 58-48 lead at the half and still held an 83-75 edge going into the fourth quarter.

Yu’s two free throws gave NorthPort its biggest advantage 111-93, only 32.0 ticks left.

Wilson carried the fight for the FiberXers with 30 points and 13 caroms, but it was only Mike Nieto who scored in double digits for the locals with 16 markers and six boards.

“For us, we’re going to play harder than the other team,” the Australian-Indian Jois said. “From the first second of the game that’s what we’re trying to do.

“We practice hard every single day, we’re ready for the moment and it’s great to get the win.”

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