NORTHPORT rode on another monster game of Venkatesha Jois to frustrate Converge FiberX, 111-95, and boost its chances in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
Jois, the 6-8 forward from Melbourne, Australia, finished with game-highs of 39 points on 17-of-27 shooting and 21 rebounds for the Batang Pier, who led by as many as 18 points enroute to their fourth win in six matches under coach Bonnie Tan.

Vois also had six assists and four blocks to lead the Batang Pier, who posted back-to-back wins.

Arvin Tolentino added 18 points, three rebounds and two assists, Cade Flores contributed 13 points and 13 rebounds, and Joshua Munzon had 12 points, five rebounds and four assists.

“I’m happy right now na at least, sa last two games namin, they’re playing well. Nakaka-sabay na sila sa other veteran guards sa league natin,” said Tan.

“We challenged our guards to step up, and good things happen, like right now. Ang objective namin talaga is to outwork them (Converge),”added Tan.

Former Los Angeles Clippers player Jamil Wilson had 30 points and 13 rebounds in his debut for Converge.

But Wilson, who replaced Tom Vodanovich as Converge import, needed 24 shots in the losing effort.

Only Michael Nieto managed to score in double figures for the FiberXers, who remained as the only winless team after six games.

Nieto had 16 points, including 12 from deep.

Alec Stockton was the third best player for Converge with nine points and six rebounds.

The scores:

NorthPort (111) — Jois 39, Tolentino 18, Flores 13, Munzon 12, Yu 8, Calma 6, Chan 6, Paraiso 4, Amores 2, Taha 0, Salado 0, Caperal 0.
Converge (95) — Wilson 30, Nieto 16, Stockton 9, Ambohot 8, Racal 8, Arana 7, Winston 6, Balanza 5, Delos Santos 4, Santos 2, Wong 0, Maagdenberg 0, Melecio 0.
Quarterscores: 27-27, 58-48, 83-75, 111-95.

Games Friday:

(PhilSports Arena)
4 p.m. — NLEX vs. Rain or Shine
8 p.m.– San Miguel vs. NorthPort