NorthPort Secures Solo Lead in PBA Commissioner’s Cup with 120-113 Victory Over Eastern
NorthPort ensured a strong finish before their Christmas break by defeating Eastern, 120-113, on Friday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig. Kadeem Jack led the charge with 38 points and nine rebounds, while Arvin Tolentino added 35 points and six rebounds. Their efforts helped NorthPort regain the solo lead in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup.
The Batang Pier bounced back from a 109-115 loss to Phoenix last Tuesday, improving their record to 6-1 and handing Eastern their second loss in seven games. Despite a strong start from Eastern, who led 29-21, NorthPort capitalized on their opponent’s fatigue and penalty trouble, going a perfect 18-of-18 from the free-throw line in the final minutes.
Coach Bonnie Tan credited the win to the team’s ability to outrun Eastern, who had just returned from a game in Hong Kong. Tolentino, who scored 16 points in the second quarter, emphasized the pride and motivation of playing against a visiting team.
NorthPort will next face Barangay Ginebra on January 8. Coach Tan is confident his players will maintain their conditioning and momentum during the break. Contributions from Joshua Munzon (15 points), William Navarro (10 points, seven rebounds), and Fran Yu (nine points, nine assists) were also crucial in the win.
Eastern’s Chris McLaughlin led his team with 26 points and 19 rebounds, while Hayden Blankley added 24 points and 10 rebounds. Glenn Yang contributed 13 points and eight rebounds. Eastern looks forward to their next match against San Miguel Beer on Sunday.
Scores:
NorthPort 120: Jack 38, Tolentino 35, Munzon 15, Navarro 10, Yu 9, Nelle 5, Flores 4, Onwubere 4, Bulanadi 0, Miranda 0, Cuntapay 0.
Eastern 113: McLaughlin 26, Blankley 24, Lam 18, Yang 13, Guinchard 9, Chan 7, Xu 6, Cheung 4, Leung 3, Zhu 3, Pok 0.
Quarter Scores: 27-32, 63-60, 90-87, 120-113.
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