MANILA, Philippines – So far, there is no stopping NorthPort in the 2024 PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
Despite Converge fielding former No. 1 pick Justine Baltazar for the first time, the undefeated Batang Pier nonetheless won their fifth straight game at the FiberXers’ expense, 108-101, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium on Thursday, December 12.
Star guard Joshua Munzon kept up his torrid start to the new conference with 30 points on 11-of-20 shooting, highlighted by back-to-back clutch triples that Converge never recovered from with 1:45 left in regulation to break a 97-all deadlock back at the 2:56 mark.
Standout import Kadeem Jack led his streaking squad with 32 points and 15 rebounds in 44 minutes of action, while Arvin Tolentino was likewise a stat sheet stuffer in the win with 21 points and 13 rebounds to extend the Batang Pier’s franchise-best winning streak.
Converge star recruit Jordan Heading paced the losing cause down a 2-2 slate with 30 points, 6 boards, and 6 assists, as rising stars Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston scored 16 and 15, respectively.
Baltazar, meanwhile, scattered 5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 dimes, and 1 steal in just 20 minutes off the bench, mere days after leading Pampanga to another MPBL championship.
Meanwhile, the Blackwater Bossing broke through the win column after three losses in dominant fashion against the once-unbeaten Meralco Bolts, 114-98.
Fil-Am star guard Sedrick Barefield pumped 33 points on 13-of-21 shooting in the win to go with 9 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal, while high-scoring import George King added 32 points and 14 boards in 42 minutes of action.
Chris Newsome led the forgettable loss for the import-less Bolts with 22 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Bong Quinto scored 19 as Cliff Hodge churned out a 13-point, 10-board double-double.
The Scores
First Game
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.
Quarters : 24-33, 54-57, 75-76, 108-101.
Second Game
Blackwater 114 – Barefield 33, King 32, David 17, Kwekuteye 10, Ilagan 6, Suerte 6, Casio 4, Chua 4, Montalbo 2, Jopia 0, Escoto 0, Hill 0, Guinto 0.
Meralco 98 – Newsome 22, Quinto 19, Hodge 13, Black 12, Jose 8, Reyson 7, Rios 5, Torres 5, Caram 4, Pasaol 3, Pascual 0.
Quarters : 28-21, 48-49, 83-79, 114-98.
– Rappler.com