Rain or Shine clinches fifth win over Blackwater Bossing
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Northport retains top spot, ends losing streak vs Ginebra
The Northport Batang Pier exhibited steady resolve as they nailed their first win against Ginebra in five years following a thrilling 119-116 victory on Wednesday, January 8, in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Batang Pier maintained their lead in the rankings, hiking a 7-1 win-loss record, demonstrating the kind of resolute effort typically seen by traditional contenders.
PHOTO COURTESY: PBA
“It’s a statement win for us,” declared Batang Pier head coach Bonnie Tan after his team defeated the Gin Kings for the first time since losing 124-90 in Game 1 of their Governor’s Cup quarterfinal series on December 14, 2019.
“I hope that with this win, we proved that we’re here to win games. We’re here to be competitive, we’re not just a team to be taken lightly,” he added.
Import Kadeem Jack led the charge for Northport, firing a game-high 32 points on top of 16 rebounds with Arvin Tolentino and Joshua Munzon backstopping his efforts.
Tolentino rifled 29 markers, pulling down five boards, and three deflections before fouling out with two minutes left in the game, while Munzon contributed 27 points, six assists, and two steals, including a pivotal three-pointer that put the Batang Pier ahead, 117-109.
The Gin Kings took advantage of Tolentino's exit to trim the deficit to 117-114. Justin Brownlee was fouled on a three-point try, giving the three-time Best Import a chance to tie the game, but he only converted two of his three free throws.
Munzon and Jack then sank a free throw apiece within the last 10 seconds to seal the game.
As usual, Brownlee spearheaded the Gin Kings with 23 markers, 12 boards, and four dimes, but he also committed a game-high 8 turnovers, which may have been caused by still feeling under the weather.
Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, and Troy Rosario finished with 17 points apiece in the losing cause as Ginebra missed a third consecutive win and dropped to a 5-3 record.
The Scores:
NorthPort 119 – Jack 32, Tolentino 29, Munzon 27, Flores 9, Navarro 8, Bulanadi 5, Onwubere 4, Cuntapay 3, Yu 2, Nelle 0, Jalalon 0.
Ginebra 116 – Brownlee 23, Thompson 17, Rosario 17, Abarrientos 17, Ahanmisi 12, Holt 11, Cu 9, J.Aguilar 8, Tenorio 2.
Quarter Scores: 31-27, 67-58, 98-87, 119-116.
