Batang Pier edge Hong Kong Eastern for solo lead

MANILA, Philippines -- The NorthPort Batang Pier continued their excellent play in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup, thwarting Hong Kong Eastern, 120-113, to remain on top of the standings Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City.

In a battle of the top squads of the conference, NorthPort banked on the dynamic duo of Kadeem Jack and Arvin Tolentino to rise to 6-1 in the standings, while the guest team dropped to 5-2.

Jack and Tolentino combined for 73 points. The former led with 38 points, nine rebounds, three steals, two assists and two blocks, while the latter contributed 35 markers, six boards and three dimes.

The two teams were kept in a close fight in the fourth, with a pair of free throws by Hayden Blankley keeping Hong Kong within three, 93-96, with 8:28 left.

Eastern was well within striking distance with about four and a half minutes to go, after a jumper by Chris McLaughin pulled them to within four, 102-106.

But six straight points capped by free throws by Jack pushed the lead to 10, 112-102, with 2:07 remaining.

Hayden Blankley connected from beyond the arc to make it a seven-point lead, 105-112, but Jack and Tolentino scored in consecutive possessions to shut the door on any potential comeback, 116-105, with less than a minute remaining.

Four-pointers by Kobey Lam kept them in the game, but free throws by Jack and Fran Yu iced the game.

Joshua Munzon backstopped with 15 points, three assists, two steals, two rebounds and a block for the Batang Pier. William Navarro added 10 markers.

McLaughlin had a monster double-double of 26 points, 19 rebounds and five assists for Eastern, while Blankley chipped in 24 points and 10 rebounds.

NorthPort will be back in action next year, as they face Barangay Ginebra on January 8. Hong Kong, meanwhile, will take on San Miguel on Sunday.