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The Rundown From PBA Wednesday: Navarro, Bolick Keep NorthPort in Playoff Hunt

Paul Tamayo
November 10, 2022

Stellar performances from Will Navarro and Robert Bolick helped keep NorthPort’s playoff chances alive in the 2022 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.

NorthPort Delivers in Must-Win Game

A quick, fiery start to the game helped the NorthPort Batang Pier hack out a much-needed 107-94 win over the NLEX Road Warriors. Lead guard Robert Bolick drilled five treys on his way to a game-high 33 markers, while Will Navarro stuffed the stat sheet with 17 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists.

In need of a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, the Batang Pier came out with a sense of urgency, racing to an early 20-7 advantage in the opening quarter. The ball movement was quick and crisp for NorthPort, as they buried NLEX through a barrage of triples. The Batang Pier held a 13-point lead by halftime and didn’t look back from there.

Earl Clark paced NLEX with his 29 markers, and Kevin Alas chipped in 18 points on 61% shooting. But the Road Warriors didn’t receive much from the rest of the roster, especially with key cogs Matt Nieto and Don Trollano sitting out the contest.

Miller's 46 Extends Converge's Win Streak to Six

A high-scoring affair between the two hottest teams in the league ended with the Converge FiberXers defeating Phoenix Super LPG, 132-127. Converge import Quincy Miller came through with a tremendous 46-point output, and also added 18 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and three blocks to his tally.

Defense wasn’t exactly tight in this contest, but both teams made the most of the open scoring opportunities given to them. But Miller’s scoring outburst towards the end of the third quarter spelled the difference, helping Converge keep Phoenix at bay. Quincy had the support of Jeron Teng and RK Ilagan, who contributed 25 and 22 points, respectively.

Kaleb Wesson topscored for the Fuel Masters, finishing with 25 points and 21 boards in the loss. Jason Perkins also played his first game of the conference, scoring 14 points in limited minutes. Phoenix ends their five-game winning streak, while also falling to a 5-4 win-loss slate.

By the Numbers

28

It was fun to watch NorthPort tonight, as they compiled 28 assists in the win against NLEX. Entering the game with the fourth-worst offensive rating in the league, the Batang Pier leaned on ball movement and some great playmaking from Bolick and Navarro to turn back the Road Warriors.
14

14 points in 14 minutes — it was just great to see Phoenix's Jason Perkins out there. After missing the team's first eight games due to an injury, Perkins missed only one of his seven shots, and was 2-of-2 from the three-point line. He'll probably be used in short bursts for the rest of the eliminations, but look for Perkins to be fully activated come playoff time.
10

Despite the loss, Phoenix easily had their best offensive game against Converge. Touted more as a defensive team, the Fuel Masters chalked up 127 points yesterday, while only committing 10 turnovers. They averaged the most turnovers (19.0) in the league prior to the Converge game, so this might be a sign that the Phoenix players are figuring out what to do right on offense.