NorthPort Batang Pier’s Joshua Munzon against Magnolia Hotshots during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game.
A quarterfinal return seems to be a likely destination for unbeaten NorthPort with the way it is playing in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup with three straight wins and a share of the lead.
But the Batang Pier know that a great start won’t matter if they couldn’t sustain their form, which will be tested Sunday against a TNT Tropang Giga side still in the process of regaining the play that allowed them to win the Governors’ Cup crown a month earlier.
Article continues after this advertisement“If we continue playing what we’ve been playing with our transition game and rebounding, it will definitely push us towards the playoffs,” Joshua Munzon said ahead of the Batang Pier’s 5 p.m. meeting with the Tropang Giga at Ynares Center in Antipolo City.
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The Beermen squeaked past the Phoenix Fuel Masters and will hope to play better this time with reinforcement Quincy Miller, originally tapped for the East Asia Super League but was eventually given the PBA job after Troy Baxter failed to secure a clearance.
Article continues after this advertisement ‘Good decision’The Batang Pier has never been 4-0 since joining the league in 2012, having won their matches against the NLEX Road Warriors, Terrafirma Dyip and, most recently, the Magnolia Hotshots, who they edged 107-103 last Wednesday.
Article continues after this advertisementMain gunner Arvin Tolentino, Munzon and even rookie guard Evan Nelle have been among the most vital reasons for NorthPort’s early surge, along with import Kadeem Jack.
Article continues after this advertisementJack, who came in as a last-minute signing after NorthPort initially tapped Kavell Bigby-Williams, has averages of 29.0 points, 10.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.3 blocks.
“It was a good decision,” said Jack when told of the NorthPort switch. “I just come out every game and bring the same energy.”
Article continues after this advertisementTNT’s bid for another title got off to a rough start with a 105-84 defeat at the hands of guest team Hong Kong Eastern last Friday at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
The Tropang Giga tried to keep close with Eastern, but eventually lost steam in the fourth quarter, prompting coach Chot Reyes to field in his second unit.
The Commissioner’s Cup opener of TNT also got off on the wrong foot when Poy Erram was tossed with a Flagrant Foul 2 for hitting Eastern’s Glen Yang four minutes into the game.
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TNT will hope to play better this time7bet gaming or sevenbet, shake off some championship hangover and get on the win column. INQ
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