NorthPort def Magnolia, 107-103 [PBA S49 Comm’s Cup | Dec. 4, 2024]

NorthPort is poised to extend its impressive unbeaten streak as it faces a challenging test against Magnolia this Wednesday in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

With a chance to secure their third consecutive victory in the 5 o’clock clash, the Batang Pier are eager to maintain their status as joint leaders. On the other hand, the Hotshots are determined to bounce back after a disappointing loss that has left them with a 1-1 record.

The respective reinforcements for both teams are expected to play pivotal roles in the matchup.

Kadeem Jack, in just his third game in the PBA, is quickly proving to be an invaluable asset for NorthPort. He has ramped up his performance from a solid 25-point, six-rebound debut against NLEX to a jaw-dropping 32 points and 15 rebounds against Terrafirma just last Saturday.

While the start of this season is a stark contrast to NorthPort’s sluggish 3-7 finish in the last Governors’ Cup, head coach Pido Jarencio noted that there are still areas needing refinement as the team continues to gel.

Magnolia has its own issues to address, particularly after squandering a 20-point lead in the third quarter during a heart-wrenching 91-93 loss to Converge last Sunday.

Ricardo Ratliffe had a solid outing, tallying 25 points and snagging 19 rebounds, yet his performance was visibly impacted by a sore right shoulder sustained in the first half of the game against the FiberXers.

If Ratliffe’s injury persists, veterans Mark Barroca, Paul Lee, Ian Sangalang, and Calvin Abueva—who was sidelined due to a neck injury—will need to step up and provide critical support to emerging talents like Zavier Lucero, Jerick Ahanmisi, and Jerom Lastimosa.