MANILA, Philippines– NorthPort Batang Pier defeated Blackwater Elite, 120-93, on Saturday evening in the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Commissioner’s Cup, securing a strong finish to the elimination round.
The victory allowed NorthPort to position themselves favorably for the playoffs, where they are in contention for a twice-to-beat advantage.
The game, held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, saw NorthPort dominate throughout the match. Joshua Munzon led the team with an outstanding performance, contributing significantly on both offense and defense.
Munzon’s efforts were a key factor in NorthPort’s commanding win, as the team maintained control from start to finish.
With the win, NorthPort reclaimed the No. 1 spot in the standings, finishing the elimination round with a 9-3 record.
This sets them up well for the upcoming playoffs, providing them with a strategic advantage in the postseason.
The Batang Pier took an early lead in the game, and Blackwater struggled to catch up. Despite attempts from Blackwater to mount a comeback, NorthPort’s offense and defense proved too strong.
Several players from NorthPort contributed to the victory, with effective ball movement and solid teamwork ensuring a comprehensive win.
For Blackwater, the loss marks another challenge as they look to regroup and evaluate their performance moving forward. The team will focus on adjusting their strategy as they prepare for future games.
NorthPort head coach Pido Jarencio praised the team’s consistency and teamwork throughout the season. As the Batang Pier advance to the playoffs, these qualities will be essential in their pursuit of a championship.
With the playoffs approaching, the competitive nature of the league is intensifying, and teams are focusing on refining their strategies.