NorthPort downs Blackwater to close elims run on high note

NorthPort took down Blackwater, 120-93, Saturday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.

The victory capped the Batang Pier's elimination round campaign on a high note as it notched its ninth win in 12 games. Blackwater, meanwhile, ended its conference with a 3-9 record.

The Batang Pier closed the first half 60-43 after limiting the Bossing to just 17 points in the second period. NorthPort then continued to pound on Blackwater and led by 36, 109-73, with 7:10 left in the fourth quarter after Arvin Tolentino's consecutive trey and layup, and Paolo Taha's basket, before securing the victory.

In all quarters, NorthPort scored 30 points en route to the win.

NorthPort import Kadeem Jack had 30 points, six rebounds, two steals, and an assist, while Joshua Munzon led the locals with 21 points, five assists, one rebound, and a steal. Arvin Tolentino, on the other hand, registered a triple-double with 14 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, along with three steals, and one block.

Justin Chua had 15 points, eight rebounds, and three assists to lead the all-Filipino Bossing as they played without the injured George King.

NorthPort will now wait for the final standings to determine its placement for the quarterfinals.

Scores:

NorthPort 120 – Jack 30, Munzon 21, Tolentino 14, Bulanadi 12, Taha 12, Nelle 7, Navarro 7, Cuntapay 5, Flores 4, Yu 2, Onwubere 2, Tratter 2, Miranda 2.

Blackwater 93– Chua 15, Ilagan11, Tungcab 9, Escoto 9, Jopia 8, Corteza 8, Kwekuteye 7, Ayonayon 6, Guinto 5, David 5, Mitchell 4, Casio 3, Ponferrada 3, Suerte 0.

Quarters: 30-26, 60-43, 90-63, 120-93.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News