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PBA: Batang Pier holds its first 4-0 conference vs. Tropang Giga
TNT Tropang Giga was unable to hold on to the tight defense of Northport Batang Pier, which won its fourth straight game, 100-95, on Sunday night at the Ynares Center, Antipolo City.
However, TNT managed to cut the lead to 97-95 with 1:43 left on the game clock when Rondae Hollis-Jefferson made a free throw, but Joshua Munzon successfully converted his three-point shot to keep the Batang Pier from losing the lead.
“I just take that shot with confidence. The play wasn't even for me but [my teammates] found me. I was open and I was happy that I made that shot. I was confident in myself. Every time I shoot the ball, I think it's going in," said Munzon.
Northport Batang Pier assistant coach Renzy Bajar said the key to their win was their strong defense against TNT.
The Batang Pier also took advantage of the suspension of big man Poy Erram, who was penalized for hitting Glenn Yang in TNT’s conference-opening loss to Hong Kong Eastern this weekend.
Photo courtesy PBA
"Defense won it for us in this game. We know TNT has a lot of offensive threats and luckily we're able to stop their import - Rondae Hollis-Jefferson - in the second half. Plus factor there is the defense of Will Navarro, Josh Munzon and even Sidney Onwubere who stepped up our defensive scheme in the second half," Bajar said.
NorthPort's win was led by their import Kadeem Jack who recorded 27 points and 11 rebounds while Munzon had 20, and while Arvin Tolentino added 17 markers and 11 boards.
Calvin Oftana's 20 points and Hollis-Jefferson's 19 points for TNT were wasted.
Meanwhile, Poy Erram personally apologized to PBA commissioner Willie Marcial and his TNT team following the 2 flagrant foul penalties he committed against Eastern guard Glenn Yang last weekend.
The veteran big man was given a one-game suspension and fined P20,000 for the said violation. According to PBA Commissioner Willie Marcial, Erram admitted that he did something wrong.
“I was wrong for what I did. I have nothing more to say,” Marcial quoted Erram.
Erram further explained to Marcial that he was also hurt when Yang pushed him to the side and knocked him down a little. However, when they reviewed the tape, they saw that there was a closed fist so they gave Erram a suspension.
“When I saw the tape, it was a closed fist. So there is a suspension,” Marcial added.
Northport will face the Converge Fiberxers on Thursday, December 12, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium, while Tropang Giga will try to get their first win against the Magnolia Chicken Timplados Hotshots on December 11, at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Scores :
NORTHPORT 100 -Jack 27, Munzon 20, Tolentino 17, Navarro 12, Nelle 8, Yu 6, Onwubere 4, Cuntapay 3, Bulanadi 3, Flores 0, Miranda 0
TNT 95 – Oftana 20, Hollis-Jefferson 19, Pogoy 17, Khobuntin 14, Galinato 10, Nambatac 9, Aurin 4, Razon 2, Heruela 0, Exciminiano 0, Ebona 0
QUARTERS : 26-22, 45-52, 72-73, 100-95
