Batang Pier take down Hotshots
NorthPort made a bold statement on Wednesday night, overcoming Magnolia 107-103 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, extending their unbeaten streak in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The Batang Pier showcased a tenacious defense and an electrifying fast-paced game, complemented by crucial plays down the stretch to fend off the Hotshots and improve their record to 3-0 in the mid-season conference.
NorthPort executed their game plan flawlessly, outpacing Magnolia with a remarkable 22-6 advantage in fastbreak points and forcing their opponents into an uncharacteristic 24 turnovers, nine of which came in a frantic fourth quarter.
The Batang Pier’s defensive prowess was on full display as they recorded 12 steals, with Joshua Munzon leading the charge with five, while Fran Yu contributed four. Additionally, the team registered seven blocked shots, reinforcing their dominance in the paint.
Kadeem Jack was the offensive powerhouse, pouring in 30 points alongside 11 rebounds, while Arvin Tolentino came alive in the second half, scoring 19 of his 27 points. Munzon also made a significant impact, finishing with 25 points and nine boards.
Despite facing a daunting 81-94 deficit, Magnolia rallied to bring the game within 95-96. Munzon ignited the Batang Pier with a four-point play, and following a game-changing block by Sydney Onwubere on Ricardo Ratliffe and a jumpball victory for NorthPort, Yu delivered a fastbreak basket off his 10th assist, helping spark a critical 9-0 run.
Though Jerom Lastimosa’s free throws and Aris Dionisio’s three-pointer closed the gap to 103-105, Yu maintained his composure, sinking two free throws before snuffing out Joseph Eriobu’s last-ditch attempt for a four-point play as time expired.
This loss marked Magnolia’s second consecutive defeat, dropping their record to 1-2, overshadowing Lastimosa’s impressive personal season-high of 27 points, complemented by eight rebounds and an equal number of assists.
While Rome dela Rosa, Mark Barroca, and Dionisio contributed at least 13 points each, Ratliffe struggled with just 10 points, alongside 13 rebounds and four turnovers, as NorthPort’s defense proved too formidable.
