JOSHUA Munzon delivered a standout performance, particularly in the crucial moments, as NorthPort Batang Pier’s strong start in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup continued with a 108-101 victory over Converge at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

Munzon scored 30 points, including back-to-back three-pointers late in the game to break a 97-all tie and give the Batang Pier the lead for good.

In addition to his scoring, Munzon grabbed three rebounds, dished out three assists, recorded three steals, and blocked one shot.

NorthPort remains undefeated at 5-0 in the conference.

Import Kadeem Jack led the team with 32 points, 15 rebounds, one assist, one block, and one steal.

Arvin Tolentino also made significant contributions, adding 21 points, 13 rebounds, two assists, and two steals.

Jordan Heading put up 30 points, six rebounds, and six assists for FiberXers, which fell to 2-2 in the standings.

Alec Stockton and Schonny Winston added 16 and 15 points, respectively.

Import Cheick Diallo had 13 points.

Balti Baltazar had a tough debut, finishing with just five points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal.

Meanwhile, Sedrick Barefield dropped 33 points as Blackwater Bossing stunned Meralco Bolts, 114-98, for their first win.

Barefield shot an impressive 13-for-21 from the field, leading Blackwater to a 31-19 surge in the fourth quarter that helped them pull away from the Bolts.

Barefield contributed five rebounds, nine assists, and one steal as Blackwater secured its first win of the conference after starting 0-3.
George King also had a stellar performance with 32 points and 14 rebounds.

The scores:

First game

Northport (108) — Jack 32, Munzon 30, Tolentino 21, Nelle 13, Yu 6, Navarro 4, Onwubere 2, Flores 0, Tratter 0, Bulanadi 0, Cuntapay 0, Miranda 0.
Converge (101) — Heading 30, Stockton 16, Winston 15, Diallo 13, Arana 8, Racal 7, Baltazar 5, Santos 4, Andrade 3, Delos Santos 0, Nieto 0, Javillonar 0, Caralipio 0.
Quarterscores: 24-33; 54-57; 75-76; 108-101.

Second game

Blackwater (114) — Barefield 33, King 32, David 17, Kwekuteye 10, Suerte 6, Ilagan 6, Chua 4, Casio 4, Montalbo 2, Hill 0, Guinto 0, Jopia 0, Escoto 0.
Meralco (98) – Newsome 22, Quinto 19, Hodge 13, Black 12, Jose 8, Rayson 7, Rios 5, Torres 5, Caram 4, Pasaol 3, Pascual 0.
Quarterscores: 28-21, 48-49, 83-79, 114-98.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya