- NorthPort Snaps 14-Game Skid, Stuns Ginebra in Commissioner's Cup Thriller
- Batang Pier Conquer Ginebra, Stay Atop Standings
- 5 Years of Frustration End: NorthPort Escapes with Victory Over Ginebra
- Jack's 32 Points Lead NorthPort to Thrilling Win Over Ginebra
Pasig City, Philippines - NorthPort finally exorcised their Ginebra demons, escaping with a thrilling 119-116 victory over Barangay Ginebra in the PBA 49th Season Commissioner's Cup at the Philsports Arena on Wednesday. The Batang Pier snapped a 14-game losing streak against the Gin Kings that stretched back five long years, passing their toughest test this conference to remain atop the standings with an impressive 7-1 record.
The victory was far from easy. NorthPort built an 18-point lead, only to see Ginebra storm back in the final minutes. But clutch baskets from Kadeem Jack, Arvin Tolentino, and Joshua Munzon held off the Gin Kings' furious rally.
"We talked about Ginebra being beatable," said NorthPort coach Bonnie Tan. "Even though we haven't beaten them for the past five years, we had a game where we beat them in Batangas in the PBA on Tour. We challenged the players, and tonight's game was a statement game for us."
Ginebra had a chance to tie the game in the dying seconds when Justin Brownlee was fouled on a three-point attempt. However, Brownlee, typically a clutch performer, missed one of his free throws, leaving NorthPort clinging to a 117-116 lead. He had another opportunity to tie with 2.3 seconds left, but slipped on a drive to the basket. Jack then iced the game with a free throw.
Jack led NorthPort with a dominant performance, scoring 32 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Tolentino added 29 points, shooting a sizzling 6-for-9 from beyond the arc, while Munzon chipped in 27 points, six assists, and two steals.
Despite the loss, Ginebra had strong contributions from their core. Brownlee finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds, but committed eight turnovers, including a crucial one in the final possession. Scottie Thompson, RJ Abarrientos, and Troy Rosario each scored 17 points for the Gin Kings.
This win marks a significant turning point for NorthPort, proving they can compete with the league's elite. With their confidence soaring, the Batang Pier are poised to make a serious run in the Commissioner's Cup.
The scores:
NorthPort 119 – Jack 32, Tolentino 29, Munzon 27, Flores 9, Navarro 8, Bulanadi 5, Onwubere 4, Cuntapay 3, Yu 2, Nelle 0, Jalalon 0.
Barangay Ginebra 116 – Brownlee 23, Thompson 17, Rosario 17, Abarrientos 17, Ahanmisi 12, Holt 11, Cu 9, J. Aguilar 8, Tenorio 2.
Quarters: 31-27; 57-58; 98-87; 119-116.
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