NorthPort Batang Pier salvaged pride and snapped an eight-game losing streak by upsetting NLEX Road Warriors, 113-108, Wednesday at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, throwing a wrench into NLEX’s bid for the top seed in the PBA Philippine Cup quarterfinals.

Cade Flores powered NorthPort with a double-double performance of 26 points and 15 rebounds, while Fran Yu and Calvin Abueva provided critical support as the team rallied in the second half to earn just their second win in nearly two months.

NorthPort regains confidence heading into final game

The win served as a morale boost for the Batang Pier heading into their final eliminations match against San Miguel Beer on Sunday. Despite constant roster adjustments throughout the conference, NorthPort is determined to close its campaign with dignity.

“Lagi naming nire-remind sa kanila to play hard every game,” said assistant coach Rensy Bajar, who stood in for head coach Bonnie Tan during the post-game press conference. “This time nakita namin sa mga players ‘yung willingness to win.”

With the loss, NLEX finished the eliminations at 8-3 and now risks losing the top spot in the quarterfinals. Should San Miguel Beer (7-2) win against both Converge and NorthPort, the Beermen would leapfrog into the No. 1 position.

NLEX falls short despite late-game rally

Despite being reduced to just nine healthy players, NLEX nearly clawed back from a 98-107 deficit, narrowing the gap to 105-108. But Flores broke free for a crucial basket, and Yu responded to Rob Herndon’s free throws with a decisive layup to seal the win.

“Right now trying to look into helping out a lot more on the offensive end,” said Flores. “As you know, I’m a defensive player and, yeah, just doing what I can to help the team win.”

Herndon led NLEX with 21 points, while Robert Bolick added 16 points, six rebounds, and five assists. Brandon Ramirez also contributed 16 points, with JB Bahio recording a double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds.