NorthPort spoils Baltazar’s PBA debut, trips Converge

Sports

NORTHPORT gave prized rookie Justine Baltazar a rude welcome after the Batang Pier nipped the Converge FiberXers, 108-101, in the 49th PBA Commissioner's Cup on Thursday night, December 12, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

NorthPort spoiled the debut of Baltazar and in the process kept their immaculate slate intact with its fifth win in as many games.

Joshua Munzon spearheaded NorthPort’s attack as he tallied 30 points, including two straight triples that gave the Batang Pier the lead for good late in the match.

Import Kadeem Jack top scored for the Batang Pier with 32 markers.

The 6-foot-8 Baltazar, the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s Rookie Draft, marked his PBA debut with five points, four rebounds, and three assists in 20 minutes of action. It was only Baltazar’s first game with Converge as he had to finish his contract in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League where he recently led the Pampanga Giant Lanters to a second straight title.

Another Converge rookie, Jordan Heading, finished with 30 points but import Cheick Diallo scored just 13 as the FiberXers fell to 2-2 (win-loss).

THE SCORES

NORTHPORT (108)- Jack 32, Munzon 30, Tolentino 21, Nelle 13, Yu 6, Navarro 4, Onwubere 2, Flores 0, Tratter 0, Bulanadi 0, Cuntapay 0, Miranda 0.

CONVERGE (101)- Heading 30, Stockton 16, Winston 15, Diallo 13, Arana 8, Racal 7, Baltazar 5, Santos 4, Andrade 3, Delos Santos 0, Nieto 0, Javillonar 0, Caralipio 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 24-33; 54-57; 75-76; 108-101.(CCM)