PBA: NorthPort stretches streak to three, deals Meralco back-to-back losses

NorthPort preserved its winning streak as it flaunted its depth anew with a tight 90-85 victory against struggling Meralco in the PBA Philippine Cup on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Batang Pier relied on Arvin Tolentino, JM Calma, and Cade Flores to extend their streak to three and improve to 3-1 while the Bolts absorbed their second straight loss to go 1-3. 

Tolentino and Calma each poured in 16 points, with the latter collecting eight rebounds, while rookie Flores shone anew off the bench with 13 markers, six boards, one assist, and a career-high six steals. 

With the win, NorthPort has already secured its best start in the All-Filipino conference. 

Aaron Black paced Meralco with 18 points, four rebounds, four assists, two steals, and one block while Chris Newsome tallied 15 markers, six boards, and two dimes. 

Scores:

NorthPort 90 – Calma 16, Tolentino 16, Zamar 14, Flores 13, Adamos 7, Chan 7, Lucero 7, Munzon 6, Yu 4, Paraiso 0, Bulanadi 0, Rosales 0.

Meralco 85 – Black 18, Newsome 15, Almazan 12, Quinto 8, Rios 6, Mendoza 6, Jose 6, Banchero 5, Maliksi 4, Torres 3, Hodge 2, Caram 0.

Quarters: 19-15, 43-43, 68-64, 90-85.

—Bea Micaller/JKC, GMA Integrated News