MANILA, Philippines, February 7 ------ NorthPort will advance to the PBA Season 49 Commissioner's Cup semifinals. This, after the Batang Pier ousted Magnolia, 113-110, in the quarterfinals at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium. This marked NorthPort's first semis appearance in six years, only the third entry in its franchise history. The team now awaits the winner between the Meralco-Ginebra matchup, where the Kings lead 1-0.
The triumph did not come easy as NorthPort needed to take down a 14-point deficit, banking on a huge third quarter where the Kadeem Jack-led squad outscored its rivals 36-15. "Kung ano 'yung ibinigay sa amin ng Magnolia sa first half, iyon din 'yung ibinigay namin sa kanila sa second half, which is hustle, energy, at the same time 'yung pressure defense namin. Kaya nakahabol kami in that third quarter," said Bonnie tan's deputy coach Rensy Bajar. Jack poured in 30 points to go with 10 rebounds, five steals and three blocks, while scoring machine Arvin Tolentino led by example to the locals, dropping 25 points. William Navarro also had 15 markers.
Star guard Paul Lee almost willed his team to a comeback, firing two four-pointers in the latter stretch of the match, but ultimately missed a crucial attempt from the extended arc with less than five seconds left in regulation to steal the match. Mark Barroca paced the ousted side with a playoff career-high 26 points, while Ricardo Ratliffe added 22 points and 19 rebounds.
The 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 0QUARTERS: 25-32, 47-61, 83-76, 113-110
Source: news.abs-cbn.com
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