Northport got their first win, 1-4 record, with the help of Jamel Artis’ 26 points and Robert Bolick’s 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and three steals while Meralco dropped its record to 4-1.

Artis and Bolick conspired with Santos who had a double-double, scoring eight of his 16 points in the third, while also adding 10 rebounds, Malonzo’s eight markers, Balanza’s 12 points, and Troy Rike’s 10 markers for NorthPort.

Meralco had the advantage in the first and second quarters and ended the first half with a three-point lead, 47-50.

However, in the third quarter, Northport outscored the Bolts, 81-64, to turn the tables and continue to dominate until the fourth quarter, when the Batang Pier led by 20 points and finished it all the way.

“Kahit papaano, nag-settle na ang team pati ‘yung import. Medyo nagkaroon na ng chemistry sa mga kasama niya,” said NorthPort coach Pido Jarencio. “Siguro law of averages na rin. Hindi naman puwedeng puro tayo talo. Kahit papaano, gumanda laro natin. It’s a team effort. Everybody stepped up.”

The scores:

NorthPort 109 – Artis 26, Bolick 22, Santos 16, Malonzo 14, Balanza 12, Rike 10, Sumang 9, Taha 0, Ferrer 0.

Meralco 98 – Bishop 34, Banchero 23, Maliksi 14, Newsome 7, Pasaol 6, Hodge 4, Quinto 3, Almazan 3, Hugnatan 2, Caram 2, Belo 0.

Quarters: 18-32; 47-50; 81-64; 109-98.