MANILA, Philippines — With stifling defense and a sleek running game, NorthPort ended nearly three years of futility against Magnolia.
Hungry for victory against a Hotshots team that’s got their numbers in their last seven meetings, the Batang Pier spared no pains to score a 107-103 victory in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Batang Pier held the Hotshots to only three points in the first six minutes of the fourth to seize a 94-81 tear then banked on key defensive stops from Sidney Onwubere and Fran Yu to finally break out of Magnolia’s stranglehold.
NorthPort last tasted victory versus the Hotshots in their 103-101 verdict in the Season 46 Governors’ Cup back on Feb. 24, 2022.
“Ito talaga ang motivation namin going to the game. Last two, three years, hindi pa namin natatalo ang Magnolia,” said assistant coach Renzy Bajar, whose charges stormed to 3-0 and grabbed the provisional solo lead with this W.
The Batang Pier stripped the Hotshots of possession 15 times, leading to 22 fastbreak points against the latter’s six, and had seven shot blocks.
They also forced their rivals to 24 turnovers, which they converted to 21 points.
“Ang nagpanalo sa amin dito is our defense then plus factor yung fastbreak namin. ‘Yun naman talaga and gusto namin ma-achieve ngayong game na ito – to run, outrun Magnolia because if we play Magnolia sa set-set lang we’d be at a disadvantage,” said Bajar.
Kadeem Jack banged in 30 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks as he outplayed Magnolia counterpart Ricardo Ratliffe, who produced only 10 with 13 boards while dealing with shoulder issues.
Arvin Tolentino shot 27 plus one steal and one block while Joshua Munzon delivered 25 points, four rebounds, 10 assists and five steals.