B Pier rout KaTropa, stay alive

Games Wednesday (Smart Araneta Coliseum) 4:30 p.m. – Alaska vs NorthPort 6:45 p.m. – Ginebra vs Meralco

NorthPort snapped its six-game losing streak and TNT KaTropa’s five-game winning run, and in the process sealed Phoenix Pulse and Rain or Shine’s first-and-second-place finish in the PBA Philippine Cup elimination round.

The Batang Pier dished out a near perfect game to end their slump, pulling off a big 109-83 rout of the KaTropa to keep their playoff hopes alive at the Smart Araneta Coliseum last night.

“Legends are made in doing special feats, like when you’re virtually out and you come alive and rise all the way to the top. I told the team let’s make our own feat and start it tonight,” said North Port coach Pido Jarencio, hoping they can sweep their last three games to have a shot at the last quarters berth.

With the win, the Batang Pier improved to 3-6, now just half-game behind the eighthrunning NLEX Road Warriors (4-6).

Meanwhile, Rain or Shine (8-3) automatically claimed the No. 2 spot behind Phoenix as NorthPort sent TNT to a 7-4 windup.

“Actually, wala naman kaming paki-alam sa

kanilang lahat at sa problema nila. We’re dealing with our own problem. If we’ve given any team a free ticket, just send us food in practice tomorrow,” said Jarencio in half jest.

In the nightcap, San Miguel Beer shook off a tentative first half and pummeled Alaska Milk in the second half on the way to a 114-96 victory that guaranteed the Beermen a spot in the best-of-three quarterfinals.

“I’m happy for the players they still felt that sense of urgency to win,” said San Miguel coach Leo Austria. The scores: First Game NorthPort 109 – Pringle 27, Anthony 14, Tautuaa 13, Taha 13, Flores 11, Grey 9, Bolick 8, Elorde 8, Lanete 6, Guinto 0, Sollano 0.

TNT 83 – Trollano 15, Washington 13, Pogoy 10, Cruz 7, Reyes 7, Castro 7, Rosario 6, Miranda 6, Taha 5, Williams 4, Golla 2, Semerad 1, Heruela 0, Carey 0, Casino 0. Quarterscores: 22-16, 53-31, 82-61, 109-83. Second Game San Miguel 114 – Cabagnot 31, Standhardinger 23, Santos 17, Pessumal 14, Fajardo 13, Ross 10, Lassiter 4, Rosser 2, Zamar 0, Mamaril 0, Tubid 0, Vigil 0, Nabong 0.

Alaska 96 – Banchero 22, Cruz 13, Thoss 12, Baclao 12, Teng 11, Potts 6, Pascual 6, Casio 4, Enciso 2, Exciminiano 2, Galliguez 2, Racal 2, Ayaay 2, Babilonia 0.

Quarterscores: 21-27, 45-50, 79-71, 114-96.