ANTIPOLO – NorthPort boosted its bid to claim a twice-to-beat advantage in the quarterfinals with a 120-93 romp over Blackwater on Saturday in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center.
Kadeem Jack had 30 points, while Joshua Munzon led the local crew on offense with 21 points, as the Batang Pier closed the eliminations with a 9-3 win-loss record.
Arvin Tolentino also had a triple-double of 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists to help NorthPort deal the still-George King-less Bossing a 3-9 win-loss record at the end of their campaign this conference.
Dominant NorthPort
In a rarity, the Batang Pier scored 30 points in all four quarters, as their full offensive arsenal was once again put on full display.
NorthPort is currently at first place in the team standings, and will now wait for the results of the other matches to determine their final seeding.
Assistant coach Rensy Bajar said head coach Bonnie Tan was adamant that they must finish the eliminations on a winning note during the preparations against also-ran Blackwater.
“Kagaya ng nabanggit nga sa amin ni coach Bonnie, saluhin namin lagi ng dalawang kamay ‘yung binibigay na panalo para sa amin. Hopefully, maka-end up kami sa number one or number two spot after the elimination,” said Bajar, who sat in for Tan during the post-game press conference.
“Yesterday in our practice, the coaches, especially coach Bonnie, were only reminding the team that we need to finish strong in the elimination round.”
With the victory, NorthPort equalled its franchise record in wins when it recorded nine during the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup where Prince Ibeh was the import, according to PBA statistics chief Fidel Mangonon.
The Batang Pier also finished the eliminations with two straight wins after suffering two consecutive defeats.
Justin Chua had 15 points, while RK Ilagan added 11 points for the Bossing, who played minus King although he has already recovered from the foot injury he suffered against Converge last January 19.
The scores:
NorthPort 120 – Jack 30, Munzon 21, Tolentino 14, Bulanadi 12, Taha 12, Navarro 7, Nelle 7, Cuntapay 5, Flores 4, Onwubere 2, Miranda 2, Tratter 2, Yu 2.
Blackwater 93 – Chua 15, Ilagan 11, Tungcab 9, Escoto 9, Jopia 8, Corteza 8, Kwekuteye 7, Ayonayon 6, Guinto 5, David 5, Mitchell 4, Ponferada 3, Casio 3, Suerte 0.
Quarters: 30-26; 60-43; 90-63; 120-93.
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