MANILA – Joshua Munzon takes charge in the endgame as the NorthPort Batang Pier pulled off a 100-95 victory over the TNT Tropang Giga in 2024-25 PBA Commissioner’s Cup last night at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
Down 91-92 late in the fourth quarter, Munzon surged the Batang Pier ahead at 93-92 before the Tropang Giga regained the advantage at 94-93 on two free throws by Rondae Hollis-Jefferson.
The Batang Pier responded with a layup from rookie Evan Nelle followed by another inside hit from Arvin Tolentino for a 97-94 lead, but the Tropang Giga got a split free throw from Hollis-Jefferson to cut the deficit to 95-97.
NorthPort stretched the lead to five points at 100-95 after a corner three-pointer from Munzon with under a minute left before they forced TNT to several turnovers to end the match.
Munzon finished the game with 20 points, four steals, and two assists to be named Player of the Game as the Batang Pier surged to solo first place in the standings with a 4-0 record.
“Just like in the last game, just have to take charge in those moments, I believe in myself and our teammates, we believe in each other, everybody took their turns in stepping up,” Munzon said.
Kadeem Jack led the Batang Pier with a double-double of 27 points and 11 rebounds, Tolentino contributed 17 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists, while William Navarro ended with 12 markers for NorthPort.
“We credit the (local) players, they played their hearts out, especially in the second half,” Batang Pier assistant coach Rensy Bajar said in a post-game interview.
“Still the defense win us in this game,” he added. “We know naman that Talk N’ Text has a lot of threats on offense, but ‘yung mga bigs namin nag-step up sa defense in the second half.”
Calvin Oftana top-scored for the Tropang Giga with 20 points, Hollis-Jefferson added 19 points, 14 rebounds, and seven assists, while Roger Pogoy contributed 17 markers. They dropped to 0-2 record./PN
BOX SCORE:
NORTHPORT 100 -Jack 27, Munzon 20, Tolentino 17, Navarro 12, Nelle 8, Yu 6, Onwubere 4, Cuntapay 3, Bulanadi 3, Flores 0, Miranda 0.
TNT 95 – Oftana 20, Hollis-Jefferson 19, Pogoy 17, Khobuntin 14, Galinato 10, Nambatac 9, Aurin 4, Razon 2, Heruela 0, Exciminiano 0, Ebona 0.
Quarterscores: 26-22, 45-52, 72-73, 100-95.
