Myles Powell struck again last night as the National Basketball Association veteran powered Bay Area to a 105-104 victory over NorthPort in the Philippine Basketball Association Commissioner’s Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Despite the outstretched arms of NorthPort import Prince Ibeh, Powell elevated for a step-back trey that closed out the show.
When it was all over, Powell wound up with another big output for the Dragons, firing a game-high 37 points, just four short of his production against Blackwater a few days ago.
It was the second win for the visiting Bay Area squad mentored by the accomplished Brian Goorjian, who earlier figured in a heated verbal tussle with NorthPort counterpart Pido Jarencio.
“The dream is still alive, playing in the NBA (again). I’m not giving up my hopes of returning to the NBA,” said the 6-2 guard who grew up idolizing the ankle-breaking Allen Iverson.
Powell hit 11-of-28 shots from the field, eight of them coming from beyond the arc, including the game-winner. He also had six rebounds and completed four steals.
Pushed to the limit by the Batang Pier, the Dragons felt they’ve developed a target on their backs as teams are now after them.
Robert Bolick carried the fight for NorthPort with 33 points.
First Game
Bay Area (105) — Powell 37, Blankley 15, Liu 13, Yang 9, Liang 9, Zhu 8, Reid 8, Ju 6, Song 0, Lam 0, Zheng 0.
NorthPort (104) — Bolick 33, Tolentino 22, Chan 11, Balanza 11, Ibeh 8, Santos 6, Sumang 5, Ferrer 3, Salado 3, Ayaay 2,
Caperal 0.
Quarterscores: 18-24; 53-51; 80-77; 105-104.