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.
That losing spell against Magnolia also spanned seven consecutive games, including twice in the Governors’ Cup group stage.
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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.
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