NorthPort holds off SMB to boost Top 2 bid in PBA Commissioner’s Cup

Sports

THE NorthPort Batang Pier squandered what looked like a safe 24-point lead but recovered in time to upset the San Miguel Beermen, 105-104, in the 49th PBA Commissioner’s Cup on Tuesday night, January 21, at the Ynares Sports Center.

The Batang Pier built an 83-59 cushion in the third quarter, and were still comfortably ahead, 91-74, entering the final period. NorthPort toyed with disaster when it allowed the Beermen to surge ahead, 104-103, with 26.5 seconds left.

Kadeem Jack saved the day for NorthPort, sinking a good-looking fadeaway jumper that put his team back ahead.

The Beermen came up empty in a crucial possession, allowing the Batang Pier to escape and brighten their chances of securing a Top 2 spot in the quarterfinal round.

NorthPort, which snapped a two-game slide, improved to 8-3 (win-loss), joining the Converge FiberXers at the second place in the team standings.

San Miguel dropped to 0-2 with Malik Pope as its import, falling to eighth spot along with the Magnolia Hotshots and the NLEX Road Warriors with identical 4-6 records.

Jack finished with 38 points while Arvin Tolentino and Will Navarro added 22 and 17, respectively.

June Mar Fajardo collected 24 points and 15 rebounds, CJ

Perez tallied 21 markers, Don Trollano chipped in 16, and Moala Tautuaa had 14.

The Beermen got just four points from Pope, who went 2-of-8 from and 0-of-3 from the free throw line.

THE SCORES:

NORTHPORT (105)- Jack 38, Tolentino 22, Navarro 17, Munzon 12, Nelle 6, Bulanadi 6, Flores 2, Tratter 2, Yu 0, Miranda 0, Cantupay 0.

SAN MIGUEL (104) - Fajardo 24, Perez 21, Trollano 16, Tautuaa 14, Tiongson 10, Cruz 6, Pope 4, Lassiter 3, Cahilig 3, Rosales 3, Ross 0.

QUARTERSCORES: 36-22, 69-52, 91-74, 105-104.(CCM)