Batang Pier thwart bolts

MANILA, Philippines — And the underdog’s surge continues in the PBA Season 48 Philippine Cup.

Keeping the trend, NorthPort took down Meralco, 90-85, to rack up its third straight victory and set the franchise’s best-ever start in the All-Filipino of 3-1 yesterday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

The Batang Pier, who have already matched their three-win showing in last year’s centerpiece tournament, took a share of third with idle NLEX, sitting half a game behind surprise unbeaten pacesetter Blackwater (3-0).

On-rhythm NorthPort gave defense-oriented Meralco (1-3) a dose of its own medicine in getting the job done.

Bonnie Tan’s charges held the Bolts to 42 points in the second half, forced their opponents to commit 25 turnovers that led to 31 markers, and had 18 steals that fueled their transition game.

“We told the players those who play well in defense will play longer. Siguro na-challenge sila sa isa’t isa. To get longer minutes, they have to play well in defense, not only scoring,” said Tan whose team will enjoy a long break with their next assignment on April 5 yet against TNT.

Sophomore JM Calma banged in a conference-high 16 after carding a tally of 13 in their first three matches, to go with eight rebounds en route to Player of the Game honors.

Later, Ginebra retained solo second after going 2-0 at the expense of Phoenix (0-2), 102-92.

The Gin Kings used a 32-19 run sparked by the nine-point spree of Ralph Cu to break away in the third period.