By REYNALD MAGALLON
NorthPort averted a huge collapse and escaped by the skin of its teeth against San Miguel, 105-104, to get back into the race for the Top 2 spot in the PBA Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup at the Ynares Center in Antipolo on Tuesday, Jan. 21.
The Batang Pier squandered a huge 24-point lead in the second half but recovered just in time thanks to a clutch go-ahead jumper from Kadeem Jack and a rock solid defense in the final possession to preserve the win.
NorthPort snapped a two-game slide but most importantly remained in the running for the twice-to-beat bonus after improving to an 8-3 record in tie with Converge at the second spot and behind league-pacing TNT with a 6-2 slate.
Jack dropped 27 of his 38 points in the first half as NorthPort seemed to be easily cruising to the victory after taking an 83-59 lead early in the third frame.
The Batang Pier remained comfortably ahead through three quarters, 91-74 before the Beermen unloaded a searing 10-2 rally to open the payoff period and break into NorthPort’s double-digit lead, 93-84.
NorthPort had some answers from Jack and Tolentino but San Miguel remained pesky and kept the fight before finally taking the lead, 104-103 after two CJ Perez free throws.
That, however, only set up the table to Jack heroics who drained a tough jumper before NorthPort forced a crucial 24-second violation on SMB.
Tolentino provided support with 22 points and eight rebounds but missed the first of his last two free throws that could have sealed the win for NorthPort with 2.1 seconds left. He intentionally missed the second as SMB had to heave from halfcourt for its final attempt.
Will Navarro added 17 while Joshua Munzon added 12.
With the loss SMB slid to a 4-6 record making the chase for the eighth spot in the standings an open race between the Beermen, the Magnolia Hotshots, the NLEX Road Warriors and the Blackwater Bossing who earlierrode on a strong finishing kick to take down Phoenix, 100-92 and keep its quarterfinals bid alive.
The Bossing showed great character and resilience as they bucked the absence of high-scoring import Goerge King to improve to a 3-8 record and still keep a legitimate shot for the eighth spot which is being currently held by the San Miguel Beermen.
Justin Chua stepped up anew for Blackwater with a double-double of 22 points and 11 rebounds while Christian David also picked up the slack with 20 points including four crucial free throws down the stretch to close out the game.
With the game tied 92-all with 3:44 left, Chua triggered an 8-0 finishing kick for Blackwater with a jumper before two David free throws made it a four-point cushion, 96-92.
After a stop on the defensive end, Jewel Ponferrada, who had a conference-best showing of 10 points, scored on a jumper before another pair of free throws from David sealed the win for Blackwater.
Veteran guard Jvee Casio also had himself a game with 14 points and five assists while Mike Ayonayon finished with 11.