THE least expected player to launch an outside shot, NorthPort import Kadeem Jack fired an emergency three-point try amid an endgame comeback bid by Converge last night.
Waking up from stupor, the Batang Pier pulled off a 108-101 victory over the FiberXers for their fourth straight win the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.
Ginebra seeks a second win in as many games when it takes on winless Phoenix while defending champion San Miguel Beer tries to get back on track against another struggling side in Terrafirma today at the same venue.
Jack’s high-arching shot first bounced off the ring before it trickled in and pushed NorthPort’s lead to 106-99 with 1:22 to go and quelled Converge’s hopes.
Batang Pier coach Bonnie Tan said his charges went into the duel not lacking motivation—spoil this year’s top pick overall Justine Baltazar’s debut for the FiberXers and keep their unbeaten run going.
“Before the start of the game we knew Balti (Baltazar’s nickname) will play his first game. We just discussed na huwag nating ibigay sa isang taong rookie sa first game niya iyong magandang ginagawa natin for the past four games,” Tan said. “At least nag-step up iyong players natin to get our fifth win, kumbaga hindi nag-stop iyong good run na ginagawa ng team.
“Tapos masisira lang ng isang rookie player? So, iyon siguro na-challenge sila, na-realize ng players na sayang nga iyong 4-0 record if matatalo today,” he added.
Jack wound up with game-highs of 32 points and 15 rebounds for NorthPort while Joshua Munzon chimed in 30 markers, three boards, three assists and three steals.
Arvin Tolentino also had 21 points and 13 caroms while Evan Nelle added 13 and five as the Batang Pier scored a fitting follow up to a 100-95 triumph over the TNT Tropang Giga last Sunday and rose to 5-0.
Converge came off a 93-91 squeaker over Magnolia last Dec. 1 and dropped to 2-2 in the mid-season tourney.
NorthPort trailed early on (15-28) but regained its bearing and fell by only 54-57 at the half and 75-76 going into the final stanza.
But the likes of Tolentino, Munzon, and Jack combined in the fourth as the Batang Pier grabbed the edge for good on a Munzon trey 100-97 in the last 2:26.
Jordan Heading carried the fight for the FiberXers with 30 points, six rebounds, and six dimes while Alec Stockton had 16 and six.
Schonny Winston and reinforcement Check Diallo also got 15 and 13 markers, respectively for Converge.
After winning a second straight title and MVP plum for the Pampanga Giant Lanterns in the MPBL, the 6-foot-7 Baltazar groped for form in his maiden game in Asia’s pioneering pro league with five points and four rebounds.
Now the question that begs an answer—can NorthPort sustain its sizzling start?
