Gutsy Win for Batang Pier Ends Losing Streak
NorthPort Batang Pier delivered a surprising yet gritty performance by defeating NLEX Road Warriors, 113-108, in a high-stakes matchup held Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. The upset snapped NorthPort’s eight-game losing streak and served as a morale booster as the team nears the end of its Philippine Cup campaign in the 2024 PBA season.
With the win, NorthPort improved its standing to notch only its second victory in nearly two months, signaling a much-needed breakthrough after a turbulent run marred by roster changes and poor form. While they may not make the playoffs, the Batang Pier now have a chance to close their season on a proud note when they face San Miguel Beer on Sunday.
Cade Flores Leads the Charge
Cade Flores spearheaded NorthPort’s revival with a standout double-double performance, tallying 26 points and 15 rebounds. His energy on both ends of the floor was instrumental, especially in the closing moments of the game. Flores also contributed the dagger points in the final seconds, including a critical short stab that fended off NLEX’s comeback attempt.
“Pretty much just playing hard every game, whatever I can do, whatever I can participate in,” said Flores after the game. Known primarily for his defense, Flores emphasized his evolving role on the offensive end to lift the team in crucial situations.
Supporting Cast Steps Up
Fran Yu and Calvin Abueva backed Flores with timely plays, particularly in the second half when NorthPort overturned a deficit and outworked the Road Warriors with intensity and poise. Assistant coach Rensy Bajar, speaking in place of head coach Bonnie Tan, praised the team’s fighting spirit.
“This time nakita namin sa mga players ‘yung willingness to win,” Bajar remarked. “Lumaban kami para manalo, not ‘yung parang manghina kami kung ano man nangyari.”
Despite being undermanned and trailing by double digits late in the third quarter, NorthPort rallied behind hustle plays, aggressive drives, and a resilient mindset to close out the game.
NLEX Loses Grip on Top Spot
For NLEX, the loss was more than just a dent in the standings—it could cost them the No. 1 seed in the quarterfinals. The Road Warriors finished the elimination round with an 8-3 record. Their top-seed hopes now hinge on San Miguel Beer (7-2) losing at least one of its last two games.
Should SMB win both remaining contests—against Converge and NorthPort—they will overtake NLEX for the top seed, relegating the Road Warriors to the No. 2 spot. Nonetheless, NLEX still secures a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals as one of the top four teams.
Late Rally Falls Short
Even after being outscored 22-40 in the third quarter and falling behind by 11 points (81-92), NLEX fought back fiercely in the fourth. They managed to cut the deficit to just three points, 105-108, behind the efforts of Rob Herndon, who led the team with 21 points, and contributions from Robert Bolick and Brandon Ramirez, both scoring 16 points.
Herndon’s three clutch free throws brought NLEX within striking distance, but NorthPort responded with calm execution. Yu’s crucial layup and Flores’ free throw sealed the final tally, putting the game just out of reach for the Road Warriors.
Key Stats and Final Thoughts
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NorthPort: Cade Flores (26 points, 15 rebounds), Fran Yu and Calvin Abueva – strong second-half presence
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NLEX: Rob Herndon (21 points), Robert Bolick (16 pts, 6 rebs, 5 ast), JB Bahio (11 points, 12 rebounds)
The game stood as a testament to NorthPort’s resilience despite their playoff hopes being slim. With nothing left to lose, the Batang Pier played with freedom and determination—two things that had been missing during their long slump.
As the season winds down, this win might not drastically alter the playoff picture, but it gives NorthPort a renewed sense of identity and momentum going into their final game. Meanwhile, NLEX must now wait and watch if their chance at the No. 1 seed slips away in the final days of the eliminations.
The Scores :
NORTHPORT 113 – Flores 26, Yu 21, Abueva 19, Munzon 8, Balanza 7, Nelle 7, Onwubere 6, Bulanadi 6, Nava 5, Jalalon 3, Taha 3, Cuntapay 2, Kwekuteye 0.
NLEX 108 – Herndon 21, Ramirez 16, Bolick 16, Policarpio 12, Alas 12, Bahio 11, Torres 11, Valdez 9, Amer 0.
QUARTERS: 22-30, 46-54, 86-76, 113-108