NORTHPORT sealed its place in the quarterfinals of the PBA 48th season Commissioner’s Cup after pulling off a lopsided 106-89 win over Blackwater on Friday at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
The Batang Pier went on a tear in the third quarter, scoring 39 points to put a wide gap between them and the Bossing and run away with their sixth win in 10 games.
By snapping a two-game losing skid, the Batang Pier became the sixth team to book a place in the Final 8 and, being just half-a-game behind fourth placers San Miguel and Barangay Ginebra, remained in contention for a twice-to-beat incentive.
NorthPort, though, will have little time to rest as it faces Ginebra on Sunday.
Joshua Munzon led NorthPort with 20 points including nine in that third-quarter attack while import Venky Jois added 19 points and 20 rebounds for the Batang Pier.
Paul Zamar also lit up with all of his 13 points in the third quarter.
The Bossing lost for the ninth straight time to fall to 1-9 with only one game left to play in the conference against San Miguel on January 12.
Troy Rosario did not dress for the game.
NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan said the focus now shifts to the Ginebra game.
“We are on the right track naman. We just need to win our next game against Ginebra for a good position sa eliminations,” said Tan.
Rey Suerte tallied 20 points, while Christian David had 17 points and 11 rebounds in a losing cause for Blackwater.
The scores:
NorthPort 106 – Munzon 20, Jois 19, Zamar 13, Calma 10, Tolentino 10, Rosales 10, Amores 7, Yu 6, Bulanadi 5, Flores 5, Paraiso 1, Taha 0, Chan 0, Adamos 0.
Blackwater 89 – Suerte 20, David 17, Ortiz 14, Concepcion 10, Kwekuteye 8, Ilagan 7, Escoto 5, DiGregorio 3, Jopia 2, Hill 2, Ular 1, Amer 0, Guinto 0, Banal 0.
Quarters: 18-17; 45-35; 84-66; 106-89.
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