MANILA, Philippines – Riding on a hot streak after the elimination round, the NorthPort turns its focus on the playoff grind, while NLEX keeps its quarterfinal hopes alive.
The NorthPort Batang Pier wrapped up an impressive elimination-round campaign by turning back the also-ran Blackwater Bossing, 120-93, on Saturday, January 25, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center.
The win bolstered NorthPort’s bid for a twice-to-beat spot in the playoffs as the Batang Pier ended the eliminations with a 9-3 win-loss record, good enough to momentarily hold the top seed in the standings.
The Batang Pier now hopes for one of the 7-3 teams (Meralco Bolts, Hong Kong Eastern, and TNT Tropang Giga) to at least lose one of their final games to officially clinch the top-two spot and the twice-to-beat edge.
If NorthPort finishes in the top two, they will likely face either the San Miguel Beermen or the Magnolia Hotshots, who are both fighting for the last playoff ticket. Interestingly, the Batang Pier took down both the Hotshots and the Beermen in their earlier elimination-round encounters.
“Right now, we are ready for whatever challenge we encounter during the playoffs,” said Batang Pier assistant coach Rensy Bajar. “Whatever happens, whichever opponent we will play in the playoffs, we’re ready.”
Arvin Tolentino posted a triple-double of 14 points, 10 rebounds, and 11 assists to lead the lopsided beatdown of the still George King-less Blackwater, which closed out its campaign with a 3-9 mark.
Import Kadeem Jack added 30 points on an efficient 11-of-17 shooting from the field to continue his fine play in the PBA.
Two-way star Joshua Munzon also tallied 21 points on an efficient 7-of-11 clip as the Batang Pier scored 30 points in each quarter en route to the win.
Bench players Paolo Taha and Allyn Bulanadi also chipped in 12 points each for NorthPort.
“These players are ready to play, and ready to accept the challenge. Hopefully, we sustain the good play we are showing. Then, whoever we play in the playoffs, we are ready,” Bajar said.
Meanwhile, Justin Chua closed out the conference with a 15-point, 8-rebound performance for the Bossing.
In the second game, the NLEX Road Warriors secured an all-important 122-110 win over the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters to grab a share of the eighth seed with a 5-6 record.
Robert Bolick recorded 40 points and 10 assists to tow the Road Warriors in a victory that pulled them back in the playoff race.
Mike Watkins also contributed 25 points and 14 rebounds for the Road Warriors.
Rain or Shine fell for the second straight game to slide to the seventh spot with a 6-5 record.
Deon Thompson paced Rain or Shine with 26 points and 11 rebounds, while Jhonard Clarito had 20 points in a losing effort.
The Scores
First Game
NorthPort 120 – Jack 30, Munzon 21, Tolentino 14, Bulanadi 12, Taha 12, Nelle 7, Navarro 7, Cuntapay 5, Flores 4, Yu 2, Onwubere 2, Tratter 2, Miranda 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, Casio 3, Ponferrada 3, Suerte 0.
Quarters: 30-26, 60-43, 90-63, 120-93.
Second Game
NLEX 122 – Bolick 40, Watkins 25, Semerad 17, Torres 12, Alas 11, Mocon 10, Policarpio 4, Ramirez 3, Herndon 0.
Rain or Shine 110 – Thompson 26, Clarito 20, Nocum 16, Santillan 12, Datu 10, caracut 8, Tiongson 4, Belga 4, Ildefonso 4, Lemetti 6, Norwood 0.
Quarters: 29-23, 65-48, 86-79, 122-110.
– Rappler.com