NorthPort overcomes Magnolia to book semis berth

The NorthPort franchise is once again heading to the PBA semifinals.

The twice-to-beat Batang Pier overcame Magnolia, 113-110, Thursday in the PBA Commissioner's Cup quarterfinals to book a spot to the semis for the first time since 2019.

After trailing 61-47 in the first half, the Batang Pier exploded in the third period by making a 36-point romp and limiting the Hotshots to just 15 points to claim an 83-76 by the end of the said frame.

Magnolia, however, had other plans. Down 104-95 after Evan Nelle was fouled out, Paul Lee hit one from the four-point arc to cut its deficit, while Will Navarro completed a three-point play to regain an eight point advantage. The Hotshots relied on outside shooting with Zav Lucero drilling a triple, followed by another four-pointer from Lee to reclaim the lead, 107-106, with 1:32 left.

Kadeem Jack stopped the bleeding for Batang Pier, but Lee sank two free throws before Arvin Tolentino made a basket to get a 111-108 lead. 

The Hotshots had a shot clock violation before Rome dela Rosa made a split off Cade Flores' sixth foul to cut its deficit to within two. 

Pressure-packed free throws from Fran Yu and Allyn Bulanadi sealed the win for the Batang Pier.

Jack had 30 points, 10 rebounds, five steals, three assists, and three blocks, while Tolentino had 25 points, four rebounds, four assists, two blocks, and a steal. Will Navarro, meanwhile, had 15 points, seven rebounds, three steals, and two assists as the Batang Pier played without injured players Sidney Onwubere and Damie Cuntapay.

Mark Barroca led the Hotshots with 26 points, 10 assists, and four rebounds, while Ricardo Ratliffe had 22 points, 19 rebounds, four assists, and one block. Lee waxed hot with three-four pointers en route to a 22-points outing.

Scores:

NorthPort 113 – Jack 30, Tolentino 25, Navarro 15, Nelle 12, Bulanadi 12, Flores 10, Munzon 5, Yu 4, Tratter 0, Taha 0.

Magnolia 110– Barroca 26, Ratliffe 22, Lee 22, Lucero 13, Sangalang 7, Dionisio 6, Abueva 6, Lastimosa 4, Dela Rosa 4, Alfaro 0, Ahanmisi 0.

Quarters: 25-32, 47-61, 83-76, 113-110.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News