NorthPort Batang Pier’s Joshua Munzon against Magnolia Hotshots during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game. –PBA IMAGES
Joshua Munzon knocked down a crucial four-pointer and NorthPort got key stops in the end to beat Magnolia, 107-103, Wednesday for a 3-0 start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup at Ninoy Aquino Stadium.
Munzon scored with 49.6 seconds left from the longest arc that made it 100-95, the shot eventually the gap the Batang Pier needed to beat the Hotshots for the first time since the 2021-22 Governors’ Cup.
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That losing spell against Magnolia also spanned seven consecutive games, including twice in the Governors’ Cup group stage.
READ: PBA: With pressure off, Joshua Munzon delivering more on offense
Northport’s Joshua Munzon and assistant coach Rensy Bajar after the win over Magnolia. @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/jxWEMzMo33
— Rommel Fuertes Jr. (@MeloFuertesINQ) December 4, 2024
He finished with 25 points, nine rebounds, three assists and five steals to secure NorthPort’s first 3-0 start since the 2019 Commissioner’s Cup.
Import Kadeem Jack had 30 points and 11 rebounds while Arvin Tolentino produced 27 points for NorthPort, which staved off a Magnolia rally from 13 down in the fourth.
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Magnolia almost got the lead in the fourth, but bad breaks coupled with crucial baskets, including Munzon’s quadruple, enabled NorthPort to weather the storm.
The Hotshots fell to 1-2 despite 27 points, eight rebounds, eight assists and two steals from rookie Jerom Lastimosa.
Calvin Abueva returned to action after missing Sunday’s collapse against Converge due to a scary neck injury opposite Blackwater, but Magnolia didn’t have Paul Lee, who was in street clothes.
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Aris Dionisio’s triple gave the Hotshots some lifeline, trimming the Batang Pier lead into half, 105-103.
But Fran Yu came through for NorthPort, hitting two free throws then stripped Joseph Eriobu, who was going for a tying four, to secure the win.i