NorthPort dismantles Magnolia to take solo lead in team standings
NorthPort won their first three assignments in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup to take the solo spot on top of the team standings.
The Batang Pier overcame the Magnolia Hotshots, 107-103, on Wednesday, December 4 at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium to get their third straight win.
Joshua Munzon led their defensive unit to strike any Magnolia's attempt to steal the victory from them.
Munzon scored 25 points and grabbed nine rebounds to help them win, but his game-high five steals highlighted his contributions.
"If we defend at a high level, I think we'll give ourselves a good chance to win more games," said Munzon.
NorthPort stole the ball 15 times and forced the Hotshots to commit 24 turnovers. The Batang Pier also registered seven blocks.
Import Kareem Jack was also solid, producing 30 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and two blocks.
Arvin Tolentino also played a key role in their success as he logged 27 points, four rebounds, one steal and a block.
NorthPort also relied on the running game as they had a 22-6 advantage in fastbreak points.
On the other hand, rookie Jerom Lastimosa took over the spot of the injured Paul Lee and played his breakout game wearing Magnolia jersey.
Lastimosa produced 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, and two steals in a losing cause.
Rome Dela Rosa, Mark Barroca, and Aris Dionisio help their prized rookie with 16, 14, and 13, respectively.
The Hotshots did not get much from their hulking import Ricardo Ratliffe who's suffering from a nagging shoulder.
Ratliffe only had 10 markers and 13 boards - far from the usual numbers that he can produce in a game.
NorthPort will try to protect their clean slate on Sunday, December 8, against the TNT Tropang Giga at the Ynares Center in Antipolo, Magnolia will be back on the court on December 11, also against TNT at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Scores:
NORTHPORT 107 – Jack 30, Tolentino 27, Munzon 25, Yu 9, Nelle 5, Navarro 4, Flores 4, Onwubere 3, Bulanadi 0, Tratter 0, Miranda 0, Cuntapay 0.
MAGNOLIA 103 – Lastimosa 27, Dela Rosa 16, Barroca 14, Dionisio 13, Ratliffe 10, Eriobu 7, Sangalang 6, Lucero 4, Ahanmisi 3, Abueva 3, Mendoza 0.
Quarter Scores: 28-31; 59-52; 77-78; 107-103.
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