NORTHPORT guns for its third straight win and the solo lead when it takes on winless Magnolia Timplados in the 2022 PBA Philippine Cup at the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.

Game time is 3 p.m. with the Batang Pier looking to extend their two-game winning streak against the Hotshots in the curtainraiser of another explosive doubleheader in the season-opening conference.

Fil-Am sophomore Jamie Malonzo is again expected to lead the Pido Jarencio-mentored Batang Pier, along with Robert Bolick and veteran Arwind Santos.

Malonzo, who clinched the season’s first Player of the Week honor from the PBA Press Corps, averaged 18.5 points, 15.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.5 steals, and 1.0 block shots in the Batang Pier’s first two outings.

That resulted in NorthPort’s 91-84 win over Rain or Shine and 100-86 victory over Terrafirma.

The 6-foot-7 Malonzo was selected for the award over Vic Manuel, CJ Perez and June Mar Fajardo of San Miguel, Chris Newsome and Reynel Hugnatan of Meralco and Christian Standhardinger, Scottie Thompson, and Japeth Aguilar of Barangay Ginebra.

Bolick leads the way with league-highs in points (24) and assists (8.0) and 6.0 rebounds.

Jarencio attributed the Batang Pier’s early success to team chemistry.

“Masaya kami rito sa team na ito. Walang issues, walang pasaway, laro lang talaga mga players. Iyon ang hinahanap mo sa team,” said Jarencio in an interview posted at the PBA website.
Jarencio also made special mention of Santos.

“True leader si Arwind. Talagang dinadala niya itong grupo. Alam niyang i-handle itong team. Sinasabi niya experience niya, championships niya, na hindi naman ibibigay lang iyan,” added Jarencio.

In the 6 p.m. mainer, Barangay Ginebra takes on Rain or Shine.

The Gin Kings debuted with an 85-82 win over Blackwater Bossing at the Ynares Center in Antipolo City last Sunday.

Leading Ginebra’s charge is Japeth Aguilar, who came through with 15 points, six rebounds and five blocks despite still not 100 percent fit.

“Japeth had a setback a few days ago. We thought he had a strain on the same calf. We were worried he’s not going to play, but found a way which was nice of him,” said Ginebra coach Tim.Cone.

“He had a stretch where he blocked three straight shots. He was dominant defensively, he was dominant around the basket. He had one rebound where he towered over everybody. It’s nice to have him back,” added Cone.

The Elasto Painters, on the other hand, look to bounce back from 81-94-81 setback to NorthPort last Thursday.