Things are getting very interesting in the ongoing PBA Commissioner’s Cup. That’s because Thursday’s twin bill at the PhilSports Arena tightened up even more an already tight standings. Here is a recap of the action:
Rain or Shine Dominates NorthPort, Forces Standings Logjam
The Rain or Shine Elasto Painters jumped all over the NorthPort Batang Pier from the get-go, building a huge lead early and never looking back on their way to a 127-107 victory over the suddenly reeling Batang Pier.
Deon Thompson typified Rain or Shine’s dominance with 27 points and 11 rebounds on a hyper-efficient 11-for-13 clip. This hot shooting rubbed off on the rest of the Elasto Painters, who made 48 out of their 97 attempts from the field—including 12 of their 37 three-point attempts. Santi Santillan and Adrian Nocum added 16 apiece, while Andrei Caracut, Anton Asistio, Keith Datu, and Beau Belga fired at least 10 each.
Kadeem Jack carried the fight for NorthPort with a game-high 39 points and 11 rebounds. The usually prolific duo of Arvin Tolentino and Joshua Munzon, though, could only muster 36 points combined, with the former held to 19 points and the latter limited to only 17. Tolentino did have 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks, but the Batang Pier just couldn’t overcome Rain or Shine’s hot shooting.
With the win, Rain or Shine moved back up to a share of third place, while NorthPort fell to a share of the top spot with the Converge FiberXers.
Up next:
Rain or Shine vs. NLEX Road Warriors on January 25 (Ynares Center)
NorthPort vs. San Miguel Beermen on January 21 (Ynares Center)
The Scores:
Rain or Shine (127) – Thompson 27, Nocum 16, Santillan 16, Caracut 13, Asistio 12, Datu 11, Belga 10, Clarito 8, Norwood 7, Tiongson 5, Malonzo 2
NorthPort (107) – Jack 39, Tolentino 19, Munzon 17, Flores 8, Nelle 5, Cuntapay 5, Miranda 4, Onwubere 3, Yu 3, Bulanadi 2, Navarro 2
Magnolia Survives Phoenix, Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
Three Magnolia Hotshots fired over 20 points apiece to help their team survive the Phoenix Fuel Masters, 110-104, in a battle of teams with flickering playoff hopes.
Zavier Lucero spearheaded the Hotshots, pouring in a conference-high 25 points—including back-to-back treys that gave Magnolia a 105-91 cushion with under six minutes remaining in regulation. Ricardo Ratliffe and Mark Barroca added 22 apiece, while rookie Peter Alfaro provided a spark with 14 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists as a surprise starter.
Donovan Smith’s 40 big points led the way for the Fuel Masters, who cut Magnolia’s lead to 108-104 with 16 seconds left and were a four-pointer away from tying things up. Jason Perkins and RJ Jazul each had 15 for Phoenix.
With the win, Magnolia moved to ninth overall and is within striking distance of eighth-running San Miguel. Phoenix is a rung lower, in a tie with the NLEX Road Warriors at 10th.
Up next:
NLEX vs Phoenix Fuel Masters on January 19 (Ynares Center)
The Scores:
Magnolia (110) – Lucero 25, Barroca 22, Ratliffe 22, Alfaro 14, Lastimosa 6, Abueva 6, Dionisio 5, Eriobu 5, Sangalang 4, Dela Rosa 1
Phoenix (104) – Smith 40, Perkins 15, Jazul 15, Ballungay 13, Rivero 6, Tio 5, Manganti 4, Tuffin 2, Muyang 2, Verano 2
PBA Commissioner’s Cup: Next on the Schedule
The PBA Commissioner’s Cup continues on Friday with a double-header that could either force a four-way tie at no. 1 or see a champion team grab first place outright. Hong Kong Eastern (6-3) will kick off the twin bill when they take on the winless Terrafirma Dyip. Barangay Ginebra San Miguel (6-3) will then face the TNT Tropang Giga (5-2).
